Special Prize

Imagine a world where waste is no longer waste but a valuable resource, all thanks to the transformative power of the circular bioeconomy.

This award highlights a shift towards leveraging biological processes as sustainable solutions for resource recovery, innovation green technologies and environmental management. This theme underscores a growing recognition that even a microorganism can have a leading role in contributing to a circular economy, where waste is minimized, and natural processes are harnessed for ecological and practical benefits.

Emerging innovations that convert carbon dioxide into vodka and self-healing concrete mixes that use bacteria to repair its own cracks showcase just the beginning of what’s possible. These groundbreaking approaches not only slash waste but boost resource efficiency, creating a cycle of continuous reuse that’s both fascinating and vital for our planet’s future.

By embracing nature and technology together, we can make manufacturing processes more flexible, less wasteful, and environmentally harmonious. This initiative invites stakeholders from all sectors to join in to craft a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we can turn the tide towards a more resilient world where every resource is valued and nothing is wasted.”

We invite submissions for projects and ideas that push the circular bioeconomy forward, regardless of genre or scale. We will recognize and award three outstanding initiatives.

The top three selections with the most votes will be chosen from the activities and projects recommended by our panel of 10 judges. These recognized projects will have the opportunity to be exhibited and presented at the crQlr Exhibition at FabCafe Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan in March, 2024 as part of our ongoing efforts to promote and celebrate these innovative endeavors.

Projects that meet one or more of the following criteria will be considered eligible for the crQlr Awards 2024 Special Prize:

1. “Empowering nature to create a new loop”

Nature has its own circular economy. Unlike finite resources, like fossil fuels and minerals extracted from the earth, biorenewables (organic materials of recent origin such as wood, CO2 and other biomass) can be regenerated at the same rate that they are consumed. Even microorganisms, such as bacteria, can convert waste into essential products and renewable energy.

How does your work strengthen or support nature’s ability to capture and convert waste into valuable resources?
How does your work advance industry practices by introducing nature-positive alternatives?

2. “Regenerating ecosystems”

The potential and power of the bioeconomy cannot be realized without the restoration and revitalization of natural ecosystems, many of which have been degraded or damaged by human activities, natural disasters, and other factors. By taking a regenerative approach powered by nature, we can capture and store carbon, improve soil health, clean polluted water, and promote biodiversity, ensuring ecosystems are resilient and self-sustaining.

In what inspiring ways does your work contribute to the restoration and stabilization of ecosystems?

3. “Education and storytelling”

Storytelling and education around the bioeconomy is crucial for fostering a deeper public understanding of how biological resources can drive sustainable development. Through art, educational programs, and other forms of expression, these narratives can inspire innovation, shift mindsets, and encourage responsible consumption and production practices.

How does your work make complex bioeconomy concepts accessible and engaging?

As part of the crQlr Awards recognition, the following benefits will be offered to the winners:

• ​​Special Prize Winners will have their projects displayed in Tokyo, Japan as part of the crQlr Summit and Exhibition, scheduled for March, 2025.
• Special Prize Winners will be given financial support for round-trip airfare as well as a 3-night stay in Tokyo (up to one person per winning project) to join the crQlr Exhibition & Summit.
• All Winners will receive individual prize names and comments from crQlr Judges. These prize names and comments will be posted on Loftwork and FabCafe media channels. The comments will be considered as Creative Commons and winners are permitted to use them freely.
• All Winners will receive the “crQlr Awards Winner” logo kit to promote their award-winning project.
• All Winners will receive media coverage on all FabCafe, Loftwork, crQlr websites, and social media.
• All Winners will receive media coverage on media sponsor communication channels including IDEAS FOR GOOD, Zenbird and Circular Economy Hub.
• All Winners will be invited to join the crQlr Exhibition & Summit scheduled for March, 2025.