Flagstaff announces Innovate Waste Challenge finalists

FLAGSTAFF — The Innovate Waste Challenge has identified three finalist teams to participate in the Challenge’s Final Pitch presentation. The teams will pitch their innovative ideas for turning Flagstaff’s waste into a viable local business on April 6, 2019 from 1 to 5 p.m. at NACET (2225 N Gemini Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001). The Final Pitch is open to the public.

The teams are competing for an $8,000 prize which is the culmination of Flagstaff’s first Innovate Waste Challenge. The Challenge seeks to keep waste out of the landfill through the development of new business opportunities. The three finalists will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges representing Flagstaff’s business and sustainability communities, as well as members of City Council. A keynote presentation and celebration of winners will follow pitches from finalists.

The Innovate Waste Challenge is made possible by the city of Flagstaff’s Economic Development program and Sustainability office, Moonshot at NACET, Coconino Small Business Development Center, Northern Arizona University, and Coconino Community College. The finalists participating in the Final Pitch Event include:

  • Praxis Plastic – Place-based plastic recycling that converts non-recyclable plastics into new products for Flagstaff consumers.
  • Vesta Home – In-home furnaces that convert household waste into heat.
  • Make Fashion Clean – Upcycling of discarded denim in Flagstaff into artisan products.

For more information about the challenge visit www.chooseflagstaff.com/innovatewaste or contact Dylan Lenzen at (928) 213-2158 or dlenzen@flagstaffaz.gov.