AI Circular Economy Conference 2026: Final Program Published
Empowering transformation: How AI innovations drive the future of circular materials 08.01.2026The AI Circular Economy Conference, organised by nova-Institute, takes place in Cologne/Germany, and online on 4 to 5 March 2026.
© nova-Institut
The event brings together top experts from AI development, chemical manufacturing, recycling, materials science, biotechnology, and investment to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the transition to circular and sustainable material systems. This year’s conference features 26 cutting-edge presentations from speakers representing 12 countries. The opening keynote by the nova-Institute will address the strategic relevance of using artificial intelligence at the intersection of renewable carbon, highlighting new pathways and future challenges on the road to sustainability.
A high resolution screen displays a detailed 3D model of a machine component in a factory setting, illustrating AI driven digital twins and data based process optimisation as key topics of the AI Circular Economy Conference 2026 in Cologne
© Raitalinn Adobe Stock
Artificial Intelligence is unlocking the vast potential of circularity and renewable carbon sectors by making processes, materials, and business models smarter and more efficient throughout the entire value chain – from feedstock innovation to reuse. Topics include transparency and traceability (digital passports), AI-driven molecular design, process control for depolymerisation, supply chain management, and sustainability assessments. As society demands rapid transformation, AI may provide essential tools for upscaling the use and the production of renewable carbon derived from biomass, recycling and carbon capture utilisation.
The Program: Five thematic blocks
Participants will engage with leading figures from renowned companies – including Covestro, Volkswagen, Schneider Electric, TOMRA – groundbreaking start-ups like ExoMatter and VCG.AI, and world-class research institutions, such as RWTH Aachen University, TNO, and the University of Delaware. The program is organised into five thematic blocks, showcasing the diversity and impact of AI applications across digital twins, process optimisation, advanced recycling, market analysis, and bioeconomy solutions.
Registration for the AI Circular Economy Conference 2026:
ai-circulareconomy.eu/registration
This conference offers the ideal environment for companies to position themselves as sponsors: ai-circulareconomy.eu/sponsoring and exhibitors at the intersection of AI and circular economy: ai-circulareconomy.eu/exhibition-booking/.
Find the full program here:
