The call for entries for the 2026 RDS Circular Economy Awards, delivered in collaboration with Trinity Executive Education, has officially opened and will close on December 6th.
Now in its third year, the RDS Circular Economy Awards serves as a key platform for accelerating and supporting Ireland’s transition to a regenerative economic model. By recognising and rewarding businesses that champion resource efficiency and regeneration, the programme directly contributes to the National Circular Economy Programme, led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), unlocking significant economic opportunities and creating green jobs.
In 2024, the RDS launched the inaugural Circular Economy Awards, highlighting innovation, leadership, and practical solutions that are moving us closer to a regenerative and resilient future.
The 2026 Awards have evolved to include a category dedicated specifically to social enterprises - organisations that are not only embracing circular thinking but doing so in ways that deliver social impact and empower communities.
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Speaking at the Awards launch Minister of State for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy Alan Dillon said “The circular economy is more than just an environmental ambition. It is an economic and social opportunity, essential for Ireland’s future. These Awards play a critical role by showcasing the enterprises that are turning this vision into a reality, creating tangible value and inspiring others. I strongly encourage businesses, innovators and now for the first time, social enterprises to put forward their initiatives. The Government is committed to supporting this transition, and the RDS Awards provide a vital spotlight on the pioneers driving change.”
The RDS Circular Economy Awards is a core pillar of the RDS Foundation Programme, which represents the enduring mission of the RDS, to see Ireland thrive culturally and economically since it was founded in 1731. The Awards operate under the RDS Enterprise pillar, reflecting the belief that the circular economy is one of the most significant commercial and societal opportunities for the nation. The core purpose of the awards is to:
- Recognise and reward outstanding circular economy initiatives across sectors.
- Promote awareness of circular practices in Ireland and beyond.
- Encourage collaboration between business, policy and community sectors.
- Support innovation that reduces waste, reuses materials and regenerates resources.
- Encourages learning and development through bursaries for Trinity Executive education courses and Alumni education days.
Niamh de Loughry, director, RDS Foundation and deputy chief executive, RDS, said “The RDS mission to see Ireland thrive depends on our ability to embrace sustainable economic growth. The Circular Economy Awards are our direct investment in this future. By showcasing enterprises like Harp Renewables and IQUTECH, we don’t just reward innovation, we provide the vital proof points needed to inspire broader uptake and systematic change across all Irish sectors. The RDS Foundation is committed to providing the knowledge, profile and development support necessary to drive the essential national transition.”
The Awards programme fosters a strong alumni network of innovators, past winners and applicants. This community benefits from the annual Alumni Education Day, an invaluable opportunity to engage with thought leaders from Trinity College and across the industry, facilitating peer to peer learning to support the embedding of circularity into business strategy.
The 2025 RDS Circular Economy Alumni Day featured industry experts such as Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland; Anne Marie Henihan, centre director of the Dairy Processing Technology Centre; Geraldine Brennan, director of circular economy innovation, Irish Manufacturing Research; Claire Downey, chief executive of the Rediscovery Centre and many more.
The alumni explored a range of topics including:
- Working together for a circular future: Global lessons for Ireland’s SMEs
- Rethinking innovation: Challenging the status quo to enable circular impact
- Circular economy: From good intentions to good (EU) regulations
- Designing business policies and strategies for a circular economy
Past RDS Circular Economy Award winners include:
- HaPPE Earth (2025 emerging winner) – a start-up replacing conventional single use plastic PPE with medically approved compostable alternatives for healthcare.
- Iqutech (2025 SME winner) – a global circular economy leader in technology repair, refurbishment and lifecycle management.
- Harp Renewables Limited (2024 SME winner) – Global leader in thermophilic aerobic digestion, transforming organic waste into nutrient rich bio-fertiliser.
- Change Clothes Dublin (2024 emerging winner) – a non-profit community based textile reuse hub tackling fast fashion through swap shops and repair cafes.
There are three award categories: emerging, SME, and social enterprise, recognising early-stage enterprises, small and medium businesses, and social-impact initiatives driving circular innovation in Ireland. The winners of the RDS Circular Economy Awards win a prize of €2,000 and a bursary to study a short course with Trinity Executive Education. The courses available include mastering AI in digital marketing; business and human rights; creating vlue with ESG; impactful communications and many more.
The winners of the RDS Circular Economy Awards will be announced in April 2026 at the RDS Foundation Festival, Finding Common Ground.
To learn more and apply for the 2026 Awards, visit the RDS website at rds.ie.
