How can we accelerate the transition to a circular economy through collaboration and innovation? In this episode of The Circular Coffee Break, Michael sits down with Natascha Zeljko, co-founder and executive partner at CIRCULAZE by CURAZE. Natascha shares her journey from journalism to building one of Germany’s most dynamic circular economy platforms, which connects startups, corporates, investors, academia, and policymakers to drive circular transformation.
Natascha reflects on how her fascination with corporate innovation and business models led her to found CURAZE, an innovation platform that evolved into CIRCULAZE, a focused initiative dedicated to circularity. She discusses the importance of creating an ecosystem that fosters cross-sector collaboration, where unexpected partnerships can emerge and thrive. CIRCULAZE’s flagship events, the CIRCULAZE Awards and Summit, are designed to generate what Natascha calls \"planned serendipity,\" creating the conditions for transformative connections.
The conversation explores the role of startups in driving circular transformation, with Natascha emphasizing that startups bring agility, speed, and out-of-the-box thinking. She highlights the CIRCULAZE Awards, which are structured around the ‘10 R’ framework (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle, Recover, Refuse), and showcases standout startups like Ineratec, Traceless, and Circu Li-ion. Natascha also discusses the barriers to scaling circular solutions, including corporate short-termism and systemic inertia, as well as the need for long-term thinking and collaboration.
Looking ahead, Natascha envisions a future where circularity is no longer optional but essential for the future of business. She believes in the power of collaboration, trust, and systems thinking to drive the next era of economic cooperation, as exemplified by initiatives like Catena-X, a collaborative data ecosystem involving competitors like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Why listen?
Whether you are an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or simply interested in how collaboration can drive circular innovation, this episode offers a practical and inspiring perspective on catalyzing circularity at the edge.
Keywords: circular economy, CIRCULAZE, Natascha Zeljko, cross-sector collaboration, startups, innovation, ‘10 R’ framework, Ineratec, Traceless, Circu Li-ion, Catena-X, collaboration, trust, systems thinking
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