The application period for the latest NextCycle Michigan program has opened and will run through March 31, 2025. The program is seeking applicants with solutions to improve material reuse, recycling, organics recovery, and recycled-content end markets in Michigan.

NextCycle Michigan is a six-month program that provides free individualized project and technical support to refine operational plans, analyze economic and environmental impacts, hone product/service features, create marketing elements, connect with value chain partners, and identify funding pathways.

This cohort will select 15-18 teams focused on two project areas:

• Programs and Infrastructure: Projects led by public sector entities to develop, scale or replicate successful systems (collection, authorities, shared infrastructure), expand residential/commercial access to recycling or composting, or innovate in these areas and beyond.
  

• Supply Chain: Projects led by private sector or non-profit entities that are focused on gaps in material collection, recovered material processing, or end markets for reusable or recyclable materials in Michigan.

  The project types listed above were formally part of the Intergovernmental Initiatives Public-Private Partnership (I2P3) Track and the Recycling Supply Chain (RSC) Track.

The program is free and does not require equity share. Teams are asked to participate in two in-person events, multiple virtual coaching sessions, and offline individual efforts to build the projects.

An informational virtual meeting will be held on March 6, 2025, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend to hear an overview of the program and to ask questions about eligibility, project types, selection criteria, and more.

New NextCycle Program Seeking Sustainable Packaging Projects

The application period for the latest NextCycle program, the NextCycle Sustainable Packaging Accelerator, will run during the same period as NextCycle Michigan (through March 31, 2025). This new program is seeking applicants with solutions to improve the efficiency and recyclability of packaging with impacts in Michigan and Ohio.

Eight teams will be selected to participate. Eligible entities include startups, entrepreneurs, businesses, institutions, nonprofits, or a collaboration of the listed entities.

Projects can be focused on novel technologies, recyclable or reusable systems, waste-minimizing designs, bio-based alternatives, or other solutions that increase efficiency and recyclability of packaging used in the transport, distribution, storage, sale, or use of goods.

Learn more at www.NextCycle.co/packaging.