2026 Circular Austin Showcase

A pitch competition for selected, local entrepreneurs in the circular, sustainability, and zero-waste industry.

Discover how local entrepreneurs are creating a circular economy in Austin! Circular business models reduce the need to extract new resources from our planet by keeping materials and products in use for as long as possible.

Four small businesses will pitch to judges for a chance to win $10,000 in prize money. Plus, additional entrepreneurs emerging from the Circular Accelerator will compete for $2,000.

We hope this event inspires and educates the investment community about the benefits of circularity. Attendees can expect to meet business owners and learn how to get involved in Austin's circular economy.

A special thanks to this year's judges:

• Alina Sanchez, Accelerating Purpose
• Bart Bohn, ATP
• Jeff Blickman, Palm Venture Studios
• Nancy Lyon, ACC Bioscience Incubator

Competing for the $10,000 Showcase prize this year:

• FitDel delivers fitness equipment through flexible rentals, keeping machines in shared use and reducing waste.
• Pickle Envy creates fermented foods from local and surplus produce, preventing food waste while offering a nutritious alternative.
• That's Sew Austin is a shared sewing studio that extends the life of textiles through repair, reuse, and community skill-building.
• Wanderlust Wine Co. reduces waste and emissions through sustainable innovations like their kegged wine program.

Competing for the $2,000 Accelerator prize this year:

• Curated Thrift is a personal styling and event service that helps people refresh their wardrobes and homes using thoughtfully sourced secondhand pieces.
• r3grnd is a smart receptacle system that collects, grinds, and prepares single-use plastic cups for efficient recycling.
• Regenysys has developed a new material that performs like Styrofoam but can be broken down to its original building blocks and regenerated in a low-energy, low-waste process.
• ReImajin.It is a sustainable fashion brand dedicated to extending the life of textiles by transforming donated garments into modern fashion pieces that celebrate individuality and purpose.

The City of Austin is proud to support local businesses that help grow Austin's circular economy. Learn more about the City's Circular Economy Program.

Getting to the event

Parking at The Cathedral is limited, but street parking is available nearby. Nearby public transit routes: Buses: 2, 5, 18, 20, 322, 672; Rail: Red Line and Rail Shuttle 465.

Accessibility: The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request - including translation and interpretation services. For assistance, please contact Circulareconomy@AustinTexas.gov at least 48 hours before event.

City of Austin Disclosure: Any information provided to the City of Austin is subject to release pursuant to the public information act unless otherwise excepted for disclosure and the information will be retained as required by record retention requirements.