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, will now be accepted until 19 December 2025. Interviews with RDS spokespeople available on request.

Now in its 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.
• Encourage 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, reflecting the commitment to recognising everyone who makes a difference, from pioneering companies to vital non-profit and community groups.

Niamh de Loughry, Director of 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, facilitating 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, Cork & Dublin): A start-up replacing conventional single-use plastic PPE with medically approved compostable alternatives for the healthcare sector.

• ·       IQUTECH (2025 SME Winner, Limerick): A global circular economy leader specialising in technology repair, refurbishment, and lifecycle management for businesses across Ireland and beyond.

• ·       Harp Renewables Limited (2024 SME Winner, Meath): A global leader in thermophilic aerobic digestion, transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich bio-fertiliser with systems deployed worldwide.

• ·       Change Clothes Dublin (2024 Emerging Winner, Dublin): A non-profit, community-based textile reuse hub tackling fast fashion through Swap Shops, Repair Cafés, and education initiatives.

The new deadline for applications is Thursday 19th December 2025. Further details on categories, entry criteria, and the application process are available at: www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/enterprise/circular-economy-programme