The nova-Institute has unveiled the Advisory Board for the AI Circular Economy Conference 2026, to be held on 4–5 March 2026 in Cologne and online. This board unites top experts from artificial intelligence, chemicals, materials science, biotechnology, software, and research to create a balanced and comprehensive programme.
By convening this event, nova-Institute highlights the transformative role of AI in shaping the renewable carbon and circular economy. Michael Carus, CEO of nova-Institute, emphasised: “Artificial intelligence is changing our entire economy in many ways. However, when it comes to the bioeconomy, the utilisation of CO₂ and recycling, AI has the potential to be a real game changer, as there is even greater scope for optimisation here than in the fossil-based, linear world.”
His colleague, Lars Börger, CEO of nova-Institute, noted: “AI is emerging as a powerful catalyst for the Renewable Carbon Economy and Circularity—accelerating the maturity of technologies and enabling entirely new business models. We are curious to learn whether our stakeholders share this view.”
The Advisory Board features voices from across the value chain:
- Chemicals and materials industries – where AI is advancing polymers, bioplastics, catalysts, and recycling, while supporting the shift from fossil to renewable carbon.
- AI and digital experts – representing software companies applying AI in process optimisation, predictive maintenance, and supply chain forecasting.
- Academia and research – ensuring the programme incorporates the latest insights in data analytics, machine learning, and industrial AI.
Together with nova-Institute’s decades of expertise in bioeconomy and renewable carbon strategies, the board represents deep knowledge in sustainability, consultancy, and technology transformation.
Notable members include:
- Dr. Lars Börger (nova-Institut) – veteran of BASF and Neste, engaged in renewable polymers and the Renewable Carbon Initiative.
- Dr. Tina Buchholz (VCI) – expert in EU emissions trading, climate policy, and circular economy.
- Dr. Christine Bunte (PlasticsEurope Deutschland) – Managing Director, advancing plastics industry transformation.
- Michael Carus (nova-Institut) – physicist, policy advisor, and founder of the Renewable Carbon Initiative.
- Alex Dickmann (KI Bundesverband) – leading AI ecosystem development in NRW.
- Dr. Patrick Glöckner (Evonik) – specialist in circularity and market innovation.
- Prof. Dr. Dirk Hecker (Fraunhofer IAIS) – researcher in generative and agentic AI.
- Dr. Tobias Klement (CLIB) – connector of bioeconomy stakeholders and scaling infrastructures.
- Dr. Wolfgang Lippert (Microsoft Germany) – digital transformation leader in chemicals and energy.
- Nils Janus (Covestro) – Chief AI Officer pioneering autonomous AI in chemical production.
- Achim Raschka (nova-Institut) – expert in biomass, CO₂, recycling, and AI-supported innovation scouting.
The nova-Institute is inviting contributions through its Call for Abstracts, open until 26 October 2025, at ai-circulareconomy.eu/call-for-abstracts.