Innovations in Circular Economy: Bridging Urban Projects and Munich's Business Landscape
This panel will showcase innovative urban projects of Munich´s Zero Waste Innovation Hub that promote circular economy practices within the local business community. We will engage in discussions with representatives from the City of Munich, an established company, and a startup to explore how the transformation to a circular economy can be effectively achieved, as well as the challenges that must be addressed along the way. Join us to discover how Munich is leading the way in resource efficiency and sustainable development through practical solutions and partnerships in the circular economy.
Speakers
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Ramona HempenProject Lead Zero Waste Innovation HubRamona Hempen
Project Lead Zero Waste Innovation Hub
City of MunichAs Deputy Head of the Zero Waste Unit and Zero Waste Manager at the Department for Labor and Economy in Munich since 2023, Ramona Hempen plays a pivotal role in advancing the city's Zero Waste Program. She is responsible for the strategic development and implementation of initiatives aimed at promoting circular economy practices among Munich based businesses and startups, with a strong focus on innovative projects. As part of that, she manages the Zero Waste Innovation Hub, which offers workshops, networking events, and project initiatives to support local enterprises in their journey towards zero waste and circular economy solutions. Hempen holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Corporate Ethics from the University of Cologne, where she focused her thesis on the impact of sustainability goals on emissions reduction for European companies. She also completed a semester abroad at the Estonian Business School, concentrating on leadership and innovation. Working for European Parliament and PricewaterhouseCoopers she honed her project management and strategic communication skills. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and traveling, immersing herself in nature, and exploring new cultures.
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Dr. Simone ThomasDigital Transformation ManagerDr. Simone Thomas
Speaker
Digital Transformation Manager
City of MunichDr. Simone Thomas is a Digital Transformation Manager at the City of Munich, where she has been actively promoting digital innovation and economic growth for over six years. With a strong focus on strategic and systematic thinking, she effectively balances diverse interests to drive meaningful outcomes. Simone’s career includes a role as Project and Communications Manager at the Swiss Economic Forum, where she was responsible for marketing of the SEF.Growth initiative, supporting Swiss startups and SMEs. She also served as a Project Manager at NZZ Conferences. Academically, she holds a Ph.D. in Business Innovation from the University of St. Gallen and a Master’s degree in Media & Communications from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Dedicated to helping businesses leverage digital opportunities, Simone aims to enhance Munich’s position as an innovation hub while improving the quality of life for its residents. Her experience and insights make her a valuable moderator for discussions on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
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Christian AschenbrennerCEOChristian Aschenbrenner
Speaker
CEO
PA GmbHAs the CEO of PA GmbH, Christian Aschenbrenner brings extensive experience from positions at Siemens, Oce Printing Systems, Bosch BSH, Goodbaby, and PAS. PA is dedicated to transforming the recycling of electronic waste, aiming for significantly higher recycling rates across the industry. The company specializes in value chain analysis that uncovers hidden potential, optimizing dismantling processes for greater efficiency and higher yields. PA GmbH develops innovative recycling solutions that empower businesses to explore new markets and create sustainable strategies for spare parts and refurbishment, paving the way for more sustainable reuse practices.
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Andrea SchnellerFounderAndrea Schneller
Speaker
Founder
koorviAndrea Schneller is the founder of the startup koorvi, which develops a user-centric software solution for the take-back and circular management (e.g., reuse, remanufacturing, recycling) of used products. As a co-founder of Circular Munich e.V., she connects circular designers in Munich and supports circular projects at the city level. Andrea is committed to driving an economic transformation towards a Circular Economy and builds strong networks for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
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Tamy SaurerInnovation ManagerTamy Saurer
Speaker
Innovation Manager
City of MunichAs Innovation & Munich Urban Colab Manager at the Department of Labor and Economic Development for the City of Munich, Tamy Saurer plays a vital role in connecting the city government with Munich’s thriving innovation ecosystem. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between municipal challenges and entrepreneurial solutions Her role is centered on fostering collaboration across a wide range of actors—from startups research institutions and corporate partners to various departments of the city administration— to integrate innovative ideas and new technologies into city development. By promoting cross sectoral partnerships, she helps the City of Munich build a future-proof, dynamic urban environment that benefits all its citizens. Tamy’s background is rooted in relevant academic expertise, including studies with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Innovation.