Circular Economy Hotspot
Thank You for Participating! See You in Australia.
Call for the Next Asia-Pacific Host is Closed.
A successful globetrotting
event since 2016
What started in 2016 in the Netherlands as a pioneering event, the Circular Economy Hotspot has grown into a global annual gathering celebrating circular innovation and collaboration.
Taiwan will be hosting the 2025 Asia-Pacific Circular Economy Hotspot: Circular Economy Hotspot Taiwan in Taipei on Oct. 20 -23, 2025.
The event aims to shine a spotlight on innovative circular economy practices. Its international and diverse outlook promotes the exchange of ideas and experiences between policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers and captains of industry from the host country and beyond.
The concept of the Circular Economy Hotspot originated in the Netherlands in 2016 and has since traveled across Europe — from Luxembourg, Scotland, and Belgium to Catalonia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dublin, and Wales. On a global scale, Hotspot events have been held in North America (Canada), South America (Chile, Brazil), and Africa (Nigeria, South Africa). The Circular Hotspot events are carried on the wings of Holland Circular Hotspot.
Each host curates a programme that showcases how their country or region is advancing the circular economy transition and how to accelerate and scale the movement even further.
This year, the Circular Economy Hotspot is hosted by Slovenia in Europe, Ethiopia in the Africa–Middle East region, Mexico in the Americas, and Taiwan in the Asia-Pacific region. Hungary has already been selected as the host for the 2026 European Circular Economy Hotspot.
Important Dates
Evaluation Criteria
The selection will follow a two-stage process:
Stage 1. Shortlisting (Sept. 24–29, 2025)
Applications will be reviewed by HCH and current hosts (e.g. Taiwan).
Up to 3 finalists per region will be selected based on:
- ✔️ Execution capacity
- ✔️ Partner network strength
- ✔️ Resource mobilization potential
- ✔️ Regional relevance
Stage 2. Final Pitch (Oct. 20, 2025)
Finalists will pitch on-site or online before an international jury of past/current/future hosts.
Each pitch: 10–15 minutes + Q&A. Focus will be on:
- ✔️ Feasibility & team readiness
- ✔️ Collaborative potential
- ✔️ Vision and local-global impact
Funding is not required at this stage, but a credible delivery plan is essential.
How can I apply?
Deadline: Sep. 23, 2025 (23:59 GMT+8)
Download & fill in the application form
Submit via email to: hello@apcer.asia