TURN THE TIDE

on

 PLASTIC WASTE

BEYOND CUPS INNOVATION CHALLENGE AIMS TO MAKE A LASTING IMPACT ON QUEENSLAND'S ENVIRONMENT BY SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TO TRANSFORM THE WAY WE MAKE, RE-USE AND RECYCLE COFFEE CUPS AND CONTAINERS.

OUR ACTION ON SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

Queensland’s coffee and take-away consumption results in billions of disposable cups and containers used yearly, many of which are littered or end up in landfill and impact our environment.

To reduce the impacts associated with their production, use and disposal, these items have been included as a key priority in the Queensland Government’s five-year roadmap to phase out harmful, single-use plastics.

We are seeing significant interest from industry and communities across the state, and Beyond Cups seeks to strengthen and celebrate existing efforts and support innovative products and services that represent holistic and sustainable solutions by avoiding waste and increasing circularity.

Together, we can shape a greener future.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Beyond Cups invites entrepreneurs and innovators to share their solutions across three priority areas. We will prioritise solutions according to the waste hierarchy and take a whole-of-lifecycle approach to create long-term change.

  • Innovative products and services that reduce the need for single-use cups and containers, and create systems that incentivise consumers and businesses to reuse cups and containers.

  • Alternative materials and products that displace petroleum-based plastics, are designed for reusability and recyclability, and reduce our reliance on traditional waste methods. This can include edible and compostable products.

  • Solutions that enhance the end-of-life and circularity of products, such as technologies, and processes that improve sorting, separation, recovery and recyclability.

Don't see your solution fitting into these categories? We still want to hear from you.

PARTICIPATING IN THE CHALLENGE

By participating in the challenge, you will benefit from a range of workshops and coaching sessions. You will assess your commercial and technical opportunities and accelerate your solution’s development.

You will gain access to a network of experts, mentors and industry stakeholders. At the proof-of-concept stage, you will have the opportunity to access grant funding to develop your product or service in collaboration with an industry partner.

The program will culminate in a Beyond Cups showcase to celebrate the successes of all participants and with presentations to a range of customers, investors and other stakeholders. 

  • Applications closed

    16 May - 16 June

    Applications for Beyond Cups 2023 are now closed.

    The Program

  • Bootcamp

    12-13 July

    A two-day bootcamp to pitch your product and assess your market-readiness.

  • Commercial readiness program

    24 July - 1 Sep

    A six-week program to create a business case and bolster market- and investment readiness.

  • Proof-of-Concept

    9 Oct - 17 Nov

    A closed grant opportunity for a funded and supported proof-of-concept project with an industry partner.

KEY DATES

16 May - 16 June
Application period

31 May
Information session - Register here

12 July - 13 July
Bootcamp, 2-day intensive (Brisbane)

24 Jul - 1 Sept
Commercial readiness program

9 Oct - 17 Nov
Proof-of-Concept program

29 Nov
Showcase event