"Produce for Consumers, Package for the Earth" ideathon Commences the Search for Ideas that Improve Packaging and Reduce Plastic and Other Disposable Waste

The USAID Economic Security Program, in partnership with Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), launched the ideathon on "Produce for Consumers, Package for the Earth".

The ideathon enables entrepreneurs, business owners/managers, initiative groups and individuals interested in packaging, recycling, and waste management to submit concepts on how to better produce biodegradable packaging and replace plastic or other disposable waste.

The creation and/or development of the proposed service/product by the applicants should

contribute to the reduction of the waste stream that flows into Georgian landfills. This service/product should benefit the HORECA sector by providing them with efficient alternatives to existing packaging.

Those interested in participating in the Ideathon must apply by March 15: 

https://forms.gle/zf4v2rrhLDHJWLqU8

The working language of the competition is Georgian.

The authors of shortlisted ideas will go through a two-week acceleration program. With the help of mentors, they will work on refining and developing their business models. At the end of the acceleration, they will pitch their ideas to the grand jury and get a chance to win the GEL 60,000 prize from the USAID Economic Security Program, Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Please note that instead of cash the winning team or teams will receive the prize in terms of service/products required for starting and/or developing the presented business idea.

The USAID Economic Security Program supports this competition in partnership with Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Packaging Manufacturers (PMAG) and Georgian Waste Management (GWMA) Associations. The Ideathon is organized by ForSet.