Circular Economy StartUp Simulator

Ready to innovate for a sustainable future?

Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago is launching a free, multi-activity, noncredit certificate program for high school students interested in sustainability, innovation, and technologies. Through this program, students will explore Circular Economy concepts and develop their own ideas for Circular startups using Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality tools.

Use this registration form to sign up today! Teachers are welcome to share this opportunity with their classes!

The first part of this program will be an asynchronous online course that will be released in February 2026. NEIU will host two on-campus workshops:

Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Finally, we will host an Entrepreneur Night on either May 5 or 6, where the best business ideas will be presented. Cash Prizes will be awarded to the top three projects. Additionally, students who complete all modules of this course and attend 2 in-person events will receive a noncredit certificate of completion from NEIU.