Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword but a transformative driver accelerating the shift from fossil resources to renewable carbon in the chemical and materials industries. Recognized as one of the greatest industrial challenges since the industrial revolution, this shift requires highly advanced digital solutions — with AI at the core of this transformation.
In response, nova-Institute proudly announces the AI Circular Economy Conference, to be held on 4–5 March 2026 in Cologne and online. This flagship event will gather innovators, researchers, and practitioners focused on leveraging AI to unlock the full potential of renewable carbon sources such as biomass, carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), and recycling.
The conference will explore:
- AI innovations driving progress in science and industry
- Chemical and plastics producers leveraging AI for faster, more sustainable innovation
- The use of AI in agriculture and biomass to discover new feedstock sources
- Cutting-edge applications including AI-assisted modelling of CCU, CO₂ capture optimization, and novel chemical pathways via electrochemistry
- AI for process control in recycling, feedstock analysis, and quality assurance of recycled materials
With a strong interdisciplinary lineup of experts in AI, chemistry, plastics, agriculture, recycling, and sustainability, the event offers actionable insights, strategic outlooks, and collaboration opportunities for data scientists, industry leaders, researchers, and investors.
Conference Topics (Call for Abstracts)
Submissions are now open for presentations addressing AI applications in circular and sustainable material systems, covering (but not limited to):
- Bio-based Materials
- AI in polymer design and biodegradable materials
- Machine learning for enzymes and proteins
- Smart agriculture and biomass sourcing
- CO₂-based Solutions (CCU)
- AI-assisted catalyst and CCU process design
- Optimization of CO₂ capture
- Designing electrochemical pathways with AI
- Advanced Recycling
- AI in depolymerisation control
- Sorting, feedstock analysis
- Quality assurance for recycled materials
- Cross-cutting Topics
- AI in sustainability metrics and policy modelling
- Supply chain forecasting and risk analytics
- Digital infrastructure and readiness for circular systems
Submit Your Abstract
Researchers and professionals are invited to share their innovations by submitting abstracts by 5 September 2025. Late submissions may still be considered if they offer unique focus or exceptional quality.
More info: https://ai-circulareconomy.eu/call-for-abstracts/