The Innovate2PREVENT Demo Days are more than just a showcase; it is a global platform where bold ideas meet actionable impact. Hosted by Yunus Environment Hub on behalf of the PREVENT Waste Alliance, this event is a pivotal moment for the innovators pioneering circular solutions in plastics, e-waste, and digitalization. As the world grapples with the environmental crisis, their innovations pave the way for a sustainable and regenerative future.
Upstream Solutions to Plastic Pollution - March 25, 2025
Six pioneering innovators are rethinking plastic waste through reuse models, bio-based alternatives, and circular packaging solutions:
Mount Kenya University – Ecotrace
EcoTrace offers refills of everyday consumer products without the use of plastic packaging, through their mobile and stationary refill stations. EcoTrace allows customers to refill necessities such as shampoo, detergent, cooking oil, and more at a reduced cost. EcoTrace was recently adopted by Unilever as a solution to reduce single-use plastics.
Green Joy produces compostable straws and utensils from natural grass that is native to the Mekong Delta. Grass Straws is a solution to the plastic waste problem. These grass straws are not only safe, but also 100% organic, scalable, rapidly generated, and sustainable with minimal energy and resources used during production.
Why Waste Wednesdays Foundation – Project Vikalp
Project Vikalp, aims to reduce single-use plastic pollution through an innovative “Borrow a Bag” program. In collaboration with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Vikalp has set up nearly 1000 stalls in markets and public spaces where consumers can borrow reusable cloth bags for a refundable deposit. Each bag, made from recycled and surplus fabric, carries a QR code linking users to a network of return points, ensuring convenience and widespread participation.
Social Lab Environmental Solutions Private Limited – 3R Solution
3R® is an end-to-end packaging reuse solution to urban local bodies and private businesses. It is structured around Recovery of post-use packaging, Recondition, and supply for Reuse to the companies. 3R® works with paint and motor lubricant companies to map product distribution and establish take-back mechanisms for used containers. These containers are thoroughly cleaned, and quality tested using a patented process. Containers are provided with the unique digital ID that captures the lifecycle and then, containers are supplied to companies for reuse.
IRefill is an early-stage company that specialises in designing and developing innovative Smart Refill dispensers, which aim to reduce the use of single-use plastics by providing a sustainable, reusable solution. Their IoT-connected vending system dispenses a range of FMCG products like grains, edible oils, dairy, personal care, and home care items.
Smartpack Exchange (Spex) is an online food order and delivery platform by DercolBags Packaging Limited Company, a sustainable packaging firm empowering women entrepreneurs to replace single-use plastic packages with eco-friendly alternatives for a cleaner environment. Through the Spex platform, reusable packages are distributed to participating restaurants and food vendors. Participating offices or users receive their food in Smartpacks.
Time: 12-2pm CET
E-Waste & Digitalization Innovations - March 27, 2025
From e-waste recycling to solutions that contribute to a circular economy by integrating digital solutions and interoperable data models across product life cycle stages and value chains.
These seven innovators are building a more sustainable tech future:
Binewaste, is a digital platform combined with smart “Ecopoints” strategically placed throughout the country. This platform allows users to easily locate these bins, schedule pickups for their e-waste, and even buy or sell refurbished electronics. Narisrec’s approach not only promotes responsible e-waste disposal but also fosters a circular economy by giving new life to used electronics.
Lion Box, an initiative from Revnics Energy, addresses e-waste and energy poverty by upcycling discarded electronics into solar lamps and solar power generators. • Revnics Energy’s approach involves refurbishing electronic waste to create affordable and reliable solar energy products for households and small businesses, providing electricity to underserved communities in rural and urban areas. • This process not only extends the lifecycle of electronic items but also minimises the volume of e-waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Ayat is a web-based marketplace powered by AI. Developed by AppCyclers, the platform is designed to digitalise the collection, sourcing, and purchasing of e-waste across Africa. The platform connects e-waste generators, local recyclers, and off-takers, streamlining the entire lifecycle of e-waste and recyclable materials. By leveraging advanced technology, Ayat enhances the efficiency, transparency, and traceability of e-waste management. Users can easily schedule pickups, track the status of their e-waste, and access a real-time marketplace for trading e-waste materials.
Inter Ethiopia – Circular Solar Kiosk
Circular Solar Kiosk initiative in refugee camps, is designed as a dual-purpose centre. This kiosk will serve both as a collection point for electronic waste (e-waste) and as a training hub where refugees can gain skills to become technicians specializing in refurbishing solar products, ultimately helping to address the challenge of solar e-waste and creating jobs among the refugee communities in Ethiopia.
Centre for Competitive Skills – qarkonomi.al
Qarkonomia is a platform dedicated to promoting the principles of the circular economy in Albania by raising awareness, providing education, and fostering collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and society. It aims to reduce environmental degradation, optimize resource use, and create inclusive economic opportunities by supporting businesses in adopting sustainable practices and connecting disadvantaged groups to green job opportunities. Through online courses, training programs, awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy, Qarkonomia equips individuals and businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to implement circular economy practices. By empowering stakeholders with practical solutions, Qarkonomia aims to drive meaningful change toward a more resilient and circular economy.
Ebusaka Green Technology Limited
Ebusaka Green Technology Limited is a limited liability company in Zambia that provides a one-stop solution for all waste management needs. The Ebusaka app connect with garbage collectors, recycling facilities, and sustainable partners through its Ebusaka app. Marketplace for waste management that streamlines operations, provides real-time data analytics. The platform current users are 2,600 and works with 7 collectors that can collect from 28,000 households.
GIVO Ltd, a Nigerian company founded in 2019, aims to transform the plastic value chain by leveraging IoT technology to monitor material flows, emissions, and regulatory compliance, which fosters transparency and enables financial access for stakeholders. The GIVO Technology Platform (GTP) will use of suite of advanced technologies to track material flow, emissions and compliance enabling transparency & finance for the waste value chain. GTP is a tool for businesses as it enhances data quality & decision-making by connecting the dots in the plastic management supply chain.
Time: 12-2pm CET
Innovate2PREVENT program not only supports these innovators with mentorship, networking, and visibility but also contributes directly to global goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Why Innovate2PREVENT Matters
The world generates over 2 billion tonnes of waste annually, with plastics and e-waste ranking among the most challenging materials to manage. Through circular business models, Innovate2PREVENT empowers changemakers to rethink traditional waste systems and drive systemic change. These solutions are not just about waste reduction—they create green jobs, promote economic resilience, and foster environmental justice.
Learn more about Innovate2PREVENT program here.