AI Circular Economy Conference 2026: Artificial Intelligence as a Driver of Circular Chemistry and Materials Management

(Graphic: nova-Institut).

The AI Circular Economy Conference 2026 will take place on March 4–5, 2026, in Cologne, Germany, and simultaneously in an online format. The international conference focuses on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support the transition toward a circular and sustainable chemicals and materials economy.

The program highlights current developments and practical AI applications across the entire value chain. These include AI-supported development of new materials, optimization of production and process operations, applications in recycling, concepts for CO₂ utilization (Carbon Capture and Utilization, CCU), as well as digital methods for sustainability assessment.

Advert

The conference is aimed at professionals and executives from industry, research, and the digital sector. In particular, it addresses stakeholders from the chemical industry, materials management, the recycling sector, biotechnology, and the CCU field who develop or implement AI-based solutions to increase efficiency, drive process innovation, and reduce emissions.

Participating organizations include companies such as Covestro, Volkswagen, Schneider Electric, and Tomra; technology-oriented start-ups such as ExoMatter and VCG.AI; as well as research institutions including RWTH Aachen University, TNO, and the University of Delaware. The conference provides a platform for professional exchange on technological, industrial, and scientific perspectives of AI in the circular economy.

AI Circular Economy Conference 2026, March 4–5, 2026, Cologne, Germany

More information: ai-circulareconomy.eu, nova-institut.de

nova-Institut für politische und ökologische Innovation GmbH, Hürth, Germany

back to news list