Open Call for Students and Young Professionals: Waste-to-Value Innovation Challenge

Are you a Bachelor’s or Master’s student interested in circular economy, sustainable design, engineering, textiles, or digital technologies? Are you a young professional (up to 25 years old) already dealing with these topics in your career? Would you like to collaborate with other students and young professionals from Western Balkans to develop innovative products from waste materials?

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in the Western Balkans Six (WB6), under the umbrella of SENECA Green, Gov and SEDE, and in close collaboration with the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy in Skopje, North Macedonia, is pleased to invite students from Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia, to participate in a regional Waste-to-Value Innovation Challenge in Skopje, North Macedonia. The five-day event will bring together up to 18 students and professionals from three Western Balkan countries to explore circular economy principles, exchange knowledge, and collaboratively develop innovative concepts and prototypes through the upcycling of textile, electronic, and construction waste.

Date: 2-6 November 2026

Location: Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy Skopje, North Macedonia (accommodation tbd)

Who can apply: Bachelor’s and Master’s students, and young professionals (up to 25 years old) in Architecture/Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science/Information Technology and related fields.

Why join? 

Take part in an Innovation Challenge where you will turn ideas into prototypes through hands-on work. You will identify opportunities within available waste materials, develop and refine a product concept, and work with expert mentors to build, test, and present your prototype.

• Gain practical experience in circular economy, sustainable product development, and climate resilience in urban areas.
• Develop innovative ideas by turning waste materials into new products and prototypes.
• Work with peers from Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Learn from experts through hands-on guidance and mentoring.
• Build your skills and network in the field of green innovation, circular economy, and climate resilience.
• Get recognized for outstanding ideas and prototypes through awards or special recognition.

Program Highlights

Day 1 – Circular Economy: Understanding circular economy, green transition, and value of products made for the climate resilience.

Day 2 – From Waste to Innovation: Exploring upcycling, sustainable product 

Development, and its placement in the urban spaces. 

Day 3 – Innovation Labs: Developing ideas and models from textile, construction, and electronic waste.

Day 4 – Prototype Development: Turning ideas into prototypes with expert guidance.

Day 5 – Presentation: Presenting prototypes and receiving expert feedback and recognition, followed by a field visit to Gostivar to a construction waste factory

Who should apply?

We welcome applications from students and young professionals who are:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Architecture/Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science/IT, or related fields (for students). Having their first work experience in these respective areas.
• Studying at a university in Kosovo, North Macedonia, or Serbia (for students) or having work experience in these countries (for young professionals).
• Motivated to gain practical experience, develop innovative solutions, and explore circular economy, urban planning, and sustainable product development.
• Interested in interdisciplinary teamwork and hands-on prototyping.
• Comfortable working in English (the workshop will be conducted in English).

How to apply?

Interested participants should send the following documents:

1. Copy of University ID (if students)/ copy of identification (if young professional)
2. Copy of respective program grades/transcript (if students)
3. List of projects or activities done, so far/portfolio/reference list (if young professionals)

Expression of interest to participate in the program (max 1 page) 

Applications must be submitted to: @email and @email

Email subject/title: “Waste-to-Value Innovation Challenge”
Deadline: 15 October 2026

Note: All participation expenditures (transport, accommodation, and meals during the workshop) will be covered by GIZ WB6. Selected participants will be contacted with additional details regarding organizational and logistical procedures.