Waste to Value: AI in Circular Economies

This session will demonstrate how AI can turn waste streams into value streams using practical, builder-friendly experiments. I’ll show how machine learning models and simple hardware integrations can detect, classify, and repurpose surplus resources such as identifying recyclable materials, reclassifying surplus food for recommerce, and creating feedback loops that generate new business insights. Attendees will learn how to prototype their own circular AI applications, from setting up lightweight computer vision systems to building data pipelines that uncover hidden value in overlooked materials. The goal is to spark inspiration for builders to use AI not just as an optimization tool, but as an engine for circular design and regeneration.