Sustainable Switch exchange programme full-time

Designing, Testing and Launching Circular Innovations

Together with researchers, companies, municipalities and NGOs, you will learn about the aspects that are important to develop and introduce sustainable circular products and processes, such as (technical) design, marketing, finances, human behaviour and environmental impact.

At the start of the module, you will choose a sustainable real‑world challenge that fits your interests and develop it into a solid concept supported by a financial plan, a value‑driven marketing approach, and a clear communication strategy aimed at relevant stakeholders. You will use the knowledge you previously gained in your study programme, combined with new knowledge that you will acquire in the module.

You may, for example, explore applications for reusing horticultural residuals (such as paprika plant stems and leaves), investigate market opportunities for sustainable blue or red pigments produced by fungi, or examine applications, potential improvements, and markets for vegan leather. These examples illustrate the type of challenges you can work on. Each year, we have rough new project ideas, but you are free to select any sustainability topic that resonates with your interests and ambitions.

During the minor, you will interview experts, attend workshops, participate in field visits and translate your insights into a professional final deliverable. This may take the form of a market-ready pitch, business plan, impact report, prototype proposal, or a communication product such as a podcast, campaign concept or visual narrative.