I am Circular
FAQs
The IAC Challenge is India’s flagship platform to identify, showcase, and scale innovative circular economy solutions. It highlights products and services that are sustainable, scalable, and impactful across industries.
The challenge is open to:
1) Industry leaders, designers, Entrepreneurs and StartUps with established circular products or services
2) SMEs, Large Corporates building circularity in their products or supply chains
3) Indian entities or international innovators with solutions relevant to the Indian market
Only products or services that are already in the market and have demonstrated scalability and impact are eligible. Prototypes, concepts, or early-stage ideas will not be accepted.
Circular products or services fall into one of three categories:
1) Design to Last: Products designed for durability, repairability, and long-term use.
2) Work with Nature: Solutions that utilize natural processes and materials sustainably.
3) Using Existing Resources: Innovations that repurpose, recycle, or upcycle materials, minimizing waste.
By applying, you gain:
- Visibility in the IAC Coffee Table Book (print & online).
- Recognition from ministries, embassies, corporates, and global agencies.
- Market Access to government, industry, and accelerators.
- Networking Opportunities with investors, incubators, and embassies.
- Credibility as one of the top innovators shaping India’s circular future.
- A description of your product/service (up to 500 words).
- Evidence of impact (case studies, testimonials, reports).
- Relevant images, videos, or visuals.
- Company/individual contact details.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Make the participation fee payment via NEFT/SWIFT/UPI.
- Share your transaction details with us at info@ic-ce.com.
- Submit your application with required documents.
- 20 Sept 2025 – Launch of Challenge
- 20 Sept – 20 Nov 2025 – Application Window
- 20 Nov – 20 Dec 2025 – Evaluation
- 20 Dec 2025 – Announcement of IAC Evangelists
- Early 2026 – Release of Coffee Table Book
Yes, the applicants need to pay a nominal fee for applying.
Category INR USD
- Large Enterprise 50,000 1000
- Medium Enterprise 35,000 850
- Small Enterprise 20,000 550
- Startup 15,000 350
** Taxes applicable
Your submission will be reviewed by an expert jury against six key criteria:
Design & Innovation – How circular and creative is the product design?
Use of Materials & Resources – Does it reduce virgin material use and incorporate recycled/renewable inputs?
Business Model & Use Phase – Does it extend product life (e.g., reuse, repair, leasing)?
End-of-Life Strategy – What happens when the product reaches its end of life?
Environmental & Social Impact – Does it create measurable benefits for people and planet?
Scalability & Market Readiness – Can it grow and be adopted widely?
Each criterion will be scored on a scale of 1 to 5, where:
1 = Very weak alignment
3 = Moderate/acceptable alignment
5 = Strong alignment with circular economy principles
Each criterion has a different weight in the overall score:
| Criterion | Weight (%) |
|---|---|
| Design & Innovation | 20% |
| Use of Materials & Resources | 20% |
| Business Model & Use Phase | 15% |
| End-of-Life Strategy | 15% |
| Environmental & Social Impact | 15% |
| Scalability & Market Readiness | 15% |
Your final score will be calculated as a weighted total out of 100.
- Clear explanation of how your solution reduces waste, uses fewer resources, or works with nature.
- Evidence of real-world application (market traction, customer adoption, measurable impact).
- Supporting documentation (images, testimonials, case studies, data).
Yes, applicants will get a copy of the limited edition coffee-table book.
Final evaluations will be announced on 6th Jan 2025 **
Yes, multiple entries are allowed, provided each submission meets the criteria and is submitted separately.
Concepts and prototypes, innovations in the initial phases of market introduction are not eligible.
Yes, all intellectual property rights remain with the applicant. The challenge organizers will not claim any ownership of the submissions.
Yes. Our team is available to guide you through the process. Write to us at media@ic-ce.com or call +91 7678673079.
Yes, both national and international entities are eligible to participate, with Proven Expertise in Implementing or Developing Circular Products and Solutions.
Yes, products or services that are already on the market and have demonstrated scalability and impact are eligible to apply. Concepts, prototypes, and innovations in the early stages of market introduction are not eligible.
Participants must submit a detailed description of their innovation, including its impact and alignment with circular economy principles. Supporting materials such as case studies, testimonials, videos, and images are encouraged.
IAC 2024 was acknowledged by MeitY, the Office of the PSA, and highlighted at WCEF 2025, among others. It has also been featured in PIB, NICCT Netherlands, EU CE Platform, Circular Lab Radar, and other global platforms.
- Your innovation will be published in the IAC 2025 Coffee Table Book (print + online).
- Circulation to ministries, embassies, corporates, incubators, and global agencies.
- Showcasing at international platforms such as WCEF.
- You will be a part of Elite innovation consortium that will help you build your business network.