We built a diverse, collaborative global community around plastics data that included an advisory council of 23 thought-leaders across the data science and circular economy, 27 mentors and local advisors from 11 countries, 20+ design-support partners, 30+ private sector partners, 92+ innovators from 39 countries currently tackling this issue, and 15+ NGOs, government and university partners.

More awe-inspiring than these numbers is the collaboration we witnessed among likely and unlikely teams—from mentors, experts, entrepreneurs, capital providers, partners, coaches, and corporate leaders across sectors.

We increased awareness of the data gap in waste management and recycling in Asia and the available innovations to address these challenges with the help of our ever-expanding community and topic-related storytelling.

The challenge also produced a market research report that shared key insights, best practices, and opportunities identified throughout this space.

We supported the development and implementation of 10 pilots for data-driven innovations across the region. Together with a design partner, we developed a custom three-month program and framework to guide the cohort of semi-finalists.

The program’s focus lied in developing these companies’ pilots market fit and design, resilience and risk awareness, as well as their connectivity to local and strategic partners through an assessment process, virtual innovation summit, and six-week mentorship program.

All companies graduated this program with enhanced networks of support, clarity of their pilot design and action plan, and the confidence to implement their pilot in the region.