FEMALE MAKER CHALLENGE: Circular Futures 2026
By Women
for a
Circular World
Ideas become circular innovations.
Following a successful debut in 2025, the FEMALE MAKER CHALLENGE is moving on to the next round!
In 2025, nine impressive finalists demonstrated the immense innovative potential of circular product development, circular design, and circular business models. The event culminated in an inspiring pitch session in front of the jury, companies, and the community.
In 2026, we will build on this success and further develop the format: The FEMALE MAKER CHALLENGE:circular futures will become an innovation program for female founders and makers who develop circular products and business models.
Together, we are building a network that brings ideas to light, shares knowledge, and opens doors to companies, production, and financing.
As before, we are partnering with the “Handwerkerinnen für Hamburg” group of the Hamburg Chamber of Crafts, the Bücherhallen Hamburg, the HAW’s Female Entrepreneurship Week, and the Hamburg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Innovation (BWAI). A new partner is WHERA—the platform for the female economy, the Hamburg Ministry of Environment, Climate Protection, Energy, and Agriculture (BUKEA) and the Hamburg Investors Network.
The patron of the FEMALE MAKER CHALLENGE is Melanie Leonhard.
Credit: Hamburg Senate Chancellery
Here's what to expect in 2026
The FEMALE MAKER CHALLENGE combines community, training, and hands-on experience:
-
Four Female Maker Clubs for Networking, Learning, and Sharing Ideas
-
Open Call for Innovative Circular Product Ideas and Circular Business Models
-
Selection of the finalists by a panel of experts
-
Intensive workshop and master classes on further developing ideas or starting a business
-
Final Pitch and Awards Ceremony in Front of Companies, Partners, and the Public
New in 2026
The Challenge continues to grow and creates even more opportunities for female founders:
-
"Innovation Meets Manufacturing" Matching Event – Connect your idea with companies in manufacturing and industry.
-
Investor Roundtable – Connect directly with investors and gain insights into financing and growth opportunities.
-
Establishing a community database that connects circular makers, experts, companies, and support services with one another on a long-term basis.
The 2026 Schedule
August 13,
FEMALE MAKER CLUB & Community with Alea Sophie Ruiter
Kick-off at MakerLab Bücherhallen, 3:00–6:30 p.m.
https://www.eventbrite.de/e/1992012188078?aff=oddtdtcreator
August 31,
: Start of the open call
We will post the link to the application portal here as soon as it goes live.
September 17
FEMALE MAKER CLUB
Job Application Support Event at the Maker Lab Bücherhallen, 3:00–6:30 p.m.
https://www.eventbrite.de/e/1995324358870?aff=oddtdtcreator
September30,
Application deadline
October 8
FEMALE MAKER CLUB with Alisa Möhrke, Remondis Digital
at the MakerLab, Bücherhallen, 3:00–6:30 p.m.
October 9,
Jury Session
October 12,
Announcement of the Finalists
October 29–30
: Workshop & Master Classes for the Finalists
November 19
FEMALE MAKER CLUB with Kristina Kölling, Tchibo
at the MakerLab Library, 3:00–6:30 p.m.
November 24,
NEW: Matching Event: Innovation Meets Production and Investor Roundtable
December 8,
Grand Finale featuring the final pitch, community showcase, and awards ceremony
Who is this for?
The FEMALE MAKER CHALLENGE is aimed at women from Hamburg and the metropolitan region who are developing circular products, advancing circular design, or seeking to implement innovative circular business models—regardless of whether they are just starting out or have already launched their businesses. Applications from outside the region are welcome; we ask that participants attend events in person whenever possible.
Do you have an idea, a prototype, or even a product already? Then you've come to the right place.
Of course, you can also participate if you play a key role in a diverse startup team.
Shaping the Future Together
The FEMALE MAKER CHALLENGE:circular futures is more than just a competition. It is a growing community of women who want to shape the future of manufacturing, design, and the economy in a circular and more sustainable way.
We look forward to meeting you!
What It's All About
What It's All About
Every year, we create a space where women and FLINTA* individuals can develop, test, and refine their ideas. This includes access to knowledge, technologies, and a strong network of experts, mentors, and role models in the circular economy. That’s how a good idea becomes a project that makes an impact.
What to Expect
You’ll take part in workshops on circular design, materials, and funding opportunities; exchange ideas with other participants; and receive support in refining your concept all the way through to your pitch to a jury. Whether it’s an initial sketch, a prototype, or a small production run, what matters most is your idea and its potential.
Why Join?
Greater diversity leads to better solutions. Circular product design is needed now more than ever. Your idea deserves the platform it needs to move forward. Plus, there’s prize money and prototyping support.
Click here now to learn more and apply!