The Western Placer Waste Management Authority (WPWMA) and Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship have identified six innovative concepts to compete in the inaugural Circular Economy Innovation Competition on Wednesday, April 19th at the Growth Factory’s Roseville Venture Lab. Eric Oddo of the WPWMA noted his admiration of the creativity and enthusiasm of the finalists to contribute to building a local circular economy for economic growth and environmental sustainability. Below is an introspective look at the amazing innovations that the contest entrants offer.
The Western Placer Waste Management Authority (WPWMA) and Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship are proud to announce the six innovative concepts that have been selected to compete in the final pitch of their inaugural Circular Economy Innovation Competition. Eric Oddo, WPWMA Program Manager, expressed his admiration for the creativity and enthusiasm of the finalists for supporting a local circular economy, noting how this will contribute to future economic growth and environmental sustainability in the region. The public is invited to witness the exciting pitch competition at noon on Wednesday, April 19th at the Growth Factory’s Roseville Venture Lab (316 Vernon Street).
Six Finalists for this Year’s Competition
The six finalists for this year’s competition are:
1. AgGen (Rosh Ho) – Davis-based company that transforms wastes using insects.
2. American Recycling Manufacturing Systems (ARMS) (Frederick Jason) – Rocklin-based solar-powered plastic recycling manufacturing system.
3. JAFCO Industries (Mark Casey) – Rocklin-based vermicasting (organics recycling using earthworms).
4. Ouros Industries (Jae Allen) – Davis-based innovator keeping clothing waste out of landfills.
5. Upcycle Food Waste (Stephen Weststeyn) – Northern California-based food waste recycling innovator using dairy cows.
6. WasteKnot (Morgan Murphey) – Sacramento-based innovator turning plastic waste from medical companies into new products, including fabrics.
We are proud to introduce the six finalists for this year’s competition: AgGen (Rosh Ho), a Davis-based company that transforms wastes using insects; American Recycling Manufacturing Systems (ARMS) (Frederick Jason), a Rocklin-based solar-powered plastic recycling manufacturing system; JAFCO Industries (Mark Casey), a Rocklin-based vermicasting (organics recycling using earthworms); Ouros Industries (Jae Allen), a Davis-based innovator keeping clothing waste out of landfills; Upcycle Food Waste (Stephen Weststeyn), a Northern California-based food waste recycling innovator using dairy cows; and WasteKnot (Morgan Murphey), a Sacramento-based innovator turning plastic waste from medical companies into new products, including fabrics.
Through the Circular Economy Innovation Competition, the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship has provided invaluable assistance, offering mentorship and training opportunities to elevate these early-stage ventures. The Circular Economy Innovation Competition is immensely proud of the success of its startups and the impact they will have on the world, as they create a more circular economy and reduce waste and pollution. This competition is a testament to the power of collaboration, and we look forward to continuing our fruitful partnership with the Carlsen Center for future iterations.
The Western Placer Waste Management Authority (WPWMA) is proud to have recently certified their Renewable Placer Waste Action Plan, and they are looking forward to furthering their efforts by investing $120 million in facility improvement projects. These plans will help the WPWMA achieve their goals with an emphasis on idealism.
Attention to Detail
The student has worked diligently to complete the task and can be proud of their accomplishment. They have demonstrated great attention to detail, working carefully and effectively to ensure that no mistakes were made.
The Circular Economy Innovation Competition is a testament to the power of collaboration among passionate entrepreneurs, investors, incubators and the larger community at large. We are proud to have hosted our own inaugural competition, making it not only a pipeline of economic growth, but also environmental sustainability within Western Placer County. The accomplishments of these six finalists set the precedence for future circular economy innovation with their creative approaches turning waste into meaningful newfound value. As we move forward, necessity push these recycled initiatives beyond Northern California and become global scale models of success.
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