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AUSTIN, TX – Austin’s eighth annual [RE]verse Pitch Competition, a program aimed at reducing waste in Austin through innovation and design, kicks off Wednesday, March 1, with a virtual opening pitch event. During this event, six local businesses will “pitch” their businesses’ surplus and byproduct materials in the hopes of finding solutions and alternative uses to keep them out of local landfills. Competitors will select a material and, over the course of several weeks, create a new product or service based on that material. Competition organizers will host online workshops and provide mentors throughout the competition. In May, up to four competitors (or teams of competitors) will be selected to become [Re]verse Pitch Innovation Fellows. The Innovation Fellows will each receive a $4,000 cash stipend, additional in-kind prizes, participate in a three-part accelerator program and more. By connecting local businesses with entrepreneurs and innovators, [Re]verse Pitch helps Austin’s business community reduce waste and keep valuable resources out of the landfill. The materials for this year’s competition include:
Competitors may select one or more of the materials listed above. Competitors are highly encouraged to attend for the live Q&A session following each pitch. The opening pitch event will be hosted online and recorded via Zoom Wednesday, March 1, 6-8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Register here. For more information about the [Re]verse Pitch Competition and how to participate, visit reversepitch.org. The [Re]verse Pitch Competition is a collaboration between the City of Austin and Austin Young Chamber, with additional support from a wide variety of community partners. ## About the Circular Economy Program The City of Austin Circular Economy Program’s mission is to attract, retain, and grow businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs in the zero waste industry in order to create well-paying local jobs, attract investment, and support the necessary infrastructure for a resilient circular economy in Central Texas. The program is a partnership between Austin Resource Recovery and the Economic Development Department.About Austin Resource Recovery Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is a department of the City of Austin. We provide essential services that protect people and our planet. We collect recycling, composting, trash, large brush, bulk items and dead animals. We also sweep the streets, recycle and safely dispose of household hazardous waste, and provide community outreach and education. ARR is driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. Learn more at austinrecycles.com |
