March 31, 2025 - that is the deadline to submit applications for the NextCycle Michigan Accelerator. Public, private, nonprofit, institutional and collaborative organizations that have projects improving Michigan’s circular economy are encouraged to apply. This cohort will provide free technical and project planning support to teams in two project areas:

• Programs & Infrastructure (Public Sector): develop or scale systems that expand access to recycling or organics recovery/composting. 

  • Refine the plan to start or expand a material collection or drop-off center

  • Identify partners and map the process to form a regional authority to improve access to recycling

  • Expand a pilot program for organics collection/composting

  • And other projects led by a Michigan public-sector entity

• Supply Chain (Private Sector): fill gaps in Michigan’s material collection, processing, or recycled-content end markets.

  • Identify a Michigan site for recycled material processing

  • Locate recycled material/suppliers to feed a processing/manufacturing operation

  • Refine the plan to start or expand recycled material processing or recycled-content manufacturing operations

  • And other projects led by a private-sector entity that impacts Michigan

SAVE THE DATE - JUNE 25, 2025

Mark your calendars for the NextCycle Michigan Summer Showcase on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at the University of Michigan Dearborn campus. After six months of coaching and working to refine projects, 17 teams are poised to pitch their projects. Watch as they appeal to potential investors and partners while competing for monetary awards. Plus you have the opportunity to participate in the live vote for the People’s Choice Award. Learn more and watch for registration information at www.NextCycleMichigan.com/2025-summer-showcase.

Meet the 17 entrepreneurs, nonprofits, small businesses, and community teams that will pitch their projects during the Summer Showcase. Their projects include innovative recycling technologies and organic material solutions - all aimed to fill gaps and improve Michigan’s circular economy.

• March 25, 2025 - Battery Recycling & Reuse Conference: NextCycle Michigan session spotlighting emerging innovations for EV battery reuse and recycling. Speaker: Elisa Seltzer. Learn More

• April 22-23, 2025 - MI Health Climate Conference: Stop by the NextCycle Michigan table to connect with Matt Naud and Bridgette Pollaksi. Learn More

• May 6-8, 2025 - Green Gold Wood Residuals Summit: NextCycle Michigan is a proud sponsor of this year’s summit that is working to build a global network for wood residuals. Look for NextCycle’s Matt Naud! Learn more

• May 13-15, 2025 - Michigan Recycling Coalition Annual Conference: It’s that time of year again! Join business and community leaders as we dig into Michigan’s recycling and organics recovery market. NextCycle Michigan is planning a special session spotlighting innovative projects improving Michigan’s circular economy. Learn more

In case you missed it, read a short recap of the Michigan Materials Marketplace virtual roundtable that was held on February 26th and focused on textile waste and recycling. We’ve also included a link to the recording! Read Recap