Open innovation to transform waste management

Premium Research participated, alongside Ecoembes and TheCircularLab, in the organisation of the Open Call for Waste Management Startups, an international competition aimed at identifying innovative solutions to improve urban waste management and help cities become more circular and sustainable.

The call attracted significant international interest, receiving 160 proposals from more than 50 countries. Following the evaluation process, eight startups were selected as finalists and invited to present their solutions to a panel of experts.

The competition focused on two key challenges: identifying new solutions to optimise waste management in cities, from collection and containerisation to transport and traceability; and developing technologies to improve the operational efficiency of waste sorting plants, using tools such as artificial intelligence, IoT, blockchain and advanced waste separation and characterisation systems.

A final event dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship

As the culmination of the competition, Premium Research also participated in the co-organisation of the final event, held on 10 June 2026 at IFEMA Madrid, as part of the Foro de las Ciudades 2026.

During the event, the eight finalist startups presented their solutions through elevator pitches before the audience and a panel of experts. The event also brought together industry professionals, representatives from public administrations, companies and startups, creating a valuable space for networking and exchanging ideas around innovation and the circular economy.

Following the presentations, the jury selected one winning startup for each of the two challenges: The Recirculars, for the challenge focused on optimising waste management in cities, and Humara, for the challenge aimed at improving the operational efficiency of waste sorting plants.

This initiative reinforces Premium Research's commitment to open innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship, supporting the entire process of connecting real-world challenges faced by organisations and strategic sectors with startups capable of delivering innovative solutions.

We keep moving forward, turning innovation into solutions with real-world impact.