RDS Announces Launch of 2026 Circular Economy Awards - New Category Championing Social Impact

RDS Announces Launch of 2026 Circular Economy Awards

New Category Championing Social Impact

Thursday 23rd October 2025. Dublin Ireland: The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) is delighted to announce that entries for the 2026 RDS Circular Economy Awards, delivered in collaboration with Trinity Executive Education, is now officially open.

Now in the third year, the RDS Circular Economy Awards serve as a key platform for accelerating and supporting Ireland’s transition to a regenerative economic model. By recognising and rewarding businesses that champion resource efficiency and regeneration, the programme directly contributes to the National Circular Economy Programme, led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), unlocking significant economic opportunities and creating green jobs.

Speaking at the Awards launch Minister of State for Small Business and Retail & Circular Economy Alan Dillon said ‘The circular economy is more than just an environmental ambition. It is an economic and social opportunity, essential for Ireland’s future. These Awards play a critical role by showcasing the enterprises that are turning this vision into a reality, creating tangible value and inspiring others. I strongly encourage businesses, innovators and now for the first time, social enterprises to put forward their initiatives. The Government is committed to supporting this transition, and the RDS Awards provide a vital spotlight on the pioneers driving change’.

The RDS Circular Economy Awards are a core pillar of the RDS Foundation Programme, which represents the enduring mission of the RDS, to see Ireland thrive culturally and economically since it was founded in 1731. The Awards operate under the RDS Enterprise pillar, reflecting the belief that the circular economy is one of the most significant commercial and societal opportunities for the nation. The core purpose of the awards is to:

• Recognise and reward outstanding circular economy initiatives across sectors.
• Promote awareness of circular practices in Ireland and beyond.
• Encourage collaboration between business, policy and community sectors.
• Support innovation that reduces waste, reuses materials and regenerates resources.  
• Encourages learning and development through bursaries for Trinity Executive education courses and Alumni education days.

For 2026, the RDS is proud to announce a brand-new category – Social Enterprise Award which reflects the commitment to recognising everyone who makes a difference from pioneering companies to vital non-profit and community groups.

Niamh de Loughry, Director RDS Foundation and Deputy CEO, RDS said ‘The RDS mission to see Ireland thrive depends on our ability to embrace sustainable economic growth. The Circular Economy Awards are our direct investment in this future. By showcasing enterprises like Harp Renewables and IQUTECH, we don’t just reward innovation, we provide the vital proof points needed to inspire broader uptake and systematic change across all Irish sectors. The RDS Foundation is committed to providing the knowledge, profile and development support necessary to drive the essential national transition’.

RDS Circular Economy Programme and Alumni Network

The Awards programme fosters a strong alumni network of innovators, past winners and applicants. This community benefits from the annual Alumni Education Day, an invaluable opportunity to engage with thought leaders from Trinity College and across the industry, facilitation peer to peer learning to support the embedding of circularity into business strategy.

Past RDS Circular Economy Award winners include:

• HaPPE Earth (2025 Emerging Winner) – a start-up replacing conventional single use plastic PPE with medically approved compostable alternatives for healthcare.
• IQUTECH (2025 SME Winner) – a global circular economy leader in technology repair, refurbishment and lifecycle management.
• Harp Renewables Limited (2024 SME Winner) – Global leader in thermophilic aerobic digestion, transforming organic waste into nutrient rich bio-fertiliser.
• Change Clothes Dublin (2024 Emerging Winner) – a non-profit community based textile reuse hub tackling fast fashion through Swap Shops and Repair Cafes.

 

The Awards offer valuable financial prizes and career development opportunities for the winner and runner-up in each category, including:
1st Prize - €2,000 and a scholarship to a short course delivered by Trinity Executive Education and a RDS Circular Economy Awards trophy
Runner Up - €1,000 and an RDS Certificate of Merit

 

The deadline for applications is Saturday 6th December 2025. 
Further details on categories, entry criteria and the application process is available at www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/enterprise/circular-economy-programme 

ENDS  

 

For further press and media information, contact the RDS

Fiona Askin, Head of Communications and Marketing

Fiona.askin@rds.ie

087 7628921             

 

Leah Keogh, Marketing and Communications Executive
leah.keogh@rds.ie
087 1454199  

 

ABOUT THE RDS

The Royal Dublin Society (RDS), established in 1731, is a philanthropic organisation driving Ireland's economic and cultural progress. With a legacy of nearly 300 years, the RDS is known for its diverse programmes across agriculture, arts, industry, science, and enterprise. In addition to its philanthropic work, the RDS also operates as a premier venue, hosting a wide range of events, conferences, and exhibitions, within its expansive 43-acre estate in the heart of Dublin. As a foundation and social impact organisation, the RDS invests in initiatives that address contemporary challenges, support innovation, and promote sustainable growth, ensuring a lasting positive impact on Irish society.