The European bioeconomy and Dutch GreenTech firms are promoting three events to kick-start careers and solve modern societal challenges.

Wageningen University students have compiled a list of several bioeconomy and sustainability challenges to be solved by the end of the year. In the past year, GreenTech developments such as potato-based plastics, microalgae-based bitumen and bacteria-based street lighting, have begun to change the way Europeans see, and become inspired by, nature in the production of innovative and sustainable products.

Other circular economy challenges have also been presented at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, or through biohacking spaces.

Companies such as Unilever and ProRail present challenges and applicable solutions when given the opportunity to do so with these challenges. The Sustainability Challenge award will be presented in Amsterdam in October.
At the International BioBased Economy Student SymbioSUM, a conference and think tank is held for students and experts to meet and discuss new bio-based solutions.

Participants are invited to ‘Rethink Your Oil-Based Day’ by implementing bio-based solutions in everyday situations. Ideas can then be developed and presented to policy makers and investors.

This event will take place between 28 and 31 August in Wageningen, the Netherlands.

Finally, the 2016 edition of the Project Green Challenge, which began in 2011, is a small-scale DIY challenge in which universities worldwide compete to improve awareness of biohacking, lifestyle and eco-living.

The final of the event will take place in San Francisco, US, where winners will be announced throughout October.

Additionally, participants will be able to attend a three-day summit, where environmental leaders collaborate to create innovative platforms for sustainable action in climate, environment, transport, health and energy.