RECYCLE. REBUILD. REUSE. RESKILL.
Turning Plastic Waste into Future Skills
RECYCLE
We are working on AI projects to detect plastic waste and prepare it for recycling
REBUILD
We process recycled plastics into new materials such as granulate and filament
REUSE
We use recycled filament to create practical education demonstrators
RESKILL
We involve society in the process from the very beginning and teach sustainable skills
From Waste
to Knowledge
Our vision is to move beyond a traditional Circular Economy and build a true Circular Society — a community that preserves resources and passes on knowledge.
Let's talk!RECYCLE
AI detects plastic waste and prepares it for precise recycling
REBUILD
Recycled plastics become new materials like granulate and filament
REUSE
We use recycled filament to create practical education demonstrators
RESKILL
We involve society in the process from the very beginning and teach sustainable skills
Reusing Plastic to create Education Material
Using recycled granulate from our Recyclebar workflow, we produce 3D-printing filament that becomes functional education tools for engineering and sustainability. These printed demonstrators are used in schools, universities and MAKEATHONs to teach robotics, automation, mechanics and digital technologies. By working with real components made from former plastic waste, learners directly experience how circular material flows operate. The process turns discarded resources into meaningful learning experiences and connects material reuse with hands-on technical competencies.
Why Trust Us?
Engineering experience. Educational impact. A proven ecosystem for sustainable innovation.
25+ Years of Engineering Expertise
For over 25 years, ITQ GmbH has been developing solutions in engineering, automation, and software. From industrial systems to digital platforms, we translate complex technology into reliable, real-world applications.
From Education to Real Impact
Through international MAKEATHONs, student projects, and real industry challenges, we turn learning into action. Young talents don’t just learn about technology – they apply it to meaningful, real-world problems.
A Proven Ecosystem
We connect companies, universities, and young talents in a unique international ecosystem. This long-standing network creates trust, continuity, and measurable results for sustainable innovation.
“A circular society needs a strong foundation. By combining engineering excellence with education, we create solutions that last – technically and socially.”
RECYCLE
AI detects plastic waste and prepares it for precise recycling
REBUILD
Recycled plastics become new materials like granulate and filament
REUSE
We use recycled filament to create practical education demonstrators
RESKILL
We involve society in the process from the very beginning and teach sustainable skills
Our Vision
Our vision is to move beyond a traditional Circular Economy and build a true Circular Society — a community that preserves resources and passes on knowledge. We combine recycling, new materials, and digital technologies with hands-on education, enabling people of all ages to actively contribute to a sustainable future.
By turning plastic waste into new materials, 3D-printed demonstrators, and real learning experiences, we close the loop on two levels: materials and skills. This is how we transform waste into innovation — and innovation into long-lasting impact.
We enable circularity – for materials, products and societal change.
We want you!
Join us, bring your ideas, and become part of a movement where waste becomes knowledge — and knowledge becomes impact.
Together we build a Circular Society.
Get in Touch
You are a Student
You don't just want theory — you want to build real solutions?
With us, you work on hands-on projects that connect sustainability, technology, and education: from recycling and 3D printing to AI and robotics.
Join Us
You are a Company
The Circular Society brings together sustainable technologies and the upskilling of the next generation of engineers.
As a partner, you contribute directly where innovation happens: AI-driven waste detection, material recycling, and education.
Partner UpOur Journey
Drinktec Fair 09/2025
Project Kick-off, First presentation of CirQmind to trade show visitors at fair trade
SPS MAKEATHON 11/2025
CirQmind showcased innovative education and circular economy at the SPS in Nuremberg. 180 young talents took part in the SPS MAKEATHON 2025 for sustainable robotics and software.
SGI MAKEATHON 02/2026
The SMART GREEN ISLAND INNOVATION FESTIVAL brings together 750 tech and science enthusiasts for the SMART GREEN ISLAND MAKEATHON, student workshops, and the Eurocast.
Interpack Fair 05/2026
At the interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, we will present all results for the first time. Here, all interdisciplinary teams come together and showcase their fantastic project work.
Year-round MAKEATHONs
Various MAKEATHONS take place throughout the year across Germany. Interdisciplinary student teams continuously design and develop further CirQmind challenges and prototypes.
automatica 06/2027
Our final project presentation will take place at automatica 2027. Be ready for the new circular economy in a Circular Society. Join us!
Our Partners
Our Network
Frequently Asked Questions
Test CirQmind is a project that combines circular economy principles with education and social innovation.
We aim to transform plastic waste into valuable resources while teaching future skills like 3D printing, recycling, and entrepreneurship.
CirQmind combines Circular Economy and Mindset. It stands for rethinking linear processes and developing smart, circular solutions through technology, creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
CirQmind addresses key challenges of the Circular Economy, such as waste collection, recycling, reuse and sustainable production. The focus lies on transforming waste into valuable resources to educate society.
CirQmind covers a wide range of topics, including: - Smart plastic waste collection & sorting - Technical recycling processes (shredding, extrusion, injection molding) - Sustainable product design & material development - New learning concepts for future skills (digital tools, 3D printing) - Networking of regional stakeholders & industrial partners
The project utilizes modern technologies to close the material loop: - IoT & AI for waste detection and sorting - 3D printing & CAD for material reuse - Blockchain for material traceability - Cloud platforms for knowledge sharing and education
CirQmind is designed for a broad audience: - Students & Pupils: To learn through hands-on sustainable projects. - Companies & Partners: To collaborate on new technologies and talent. - Educators: To implement modern sustainability education. - Society: To build a mindset for a circular future.
Education is at the heart of CirQmind. We believe that a true Circular Society can only emerge if we share knowledge.
Through workshops and direct involvement in recycling processes, we teach future skills like material science, digitalization, and systems thinking.
Unlike classic "Circular Economy" models that focus mostly on material recycling in industry, CirQmind focuses on the "Circular Society".
We integrate social participation and education directly into the technical material loop, making sustainability a hands-on experience for everyone.
We provide a real-world "MAKEATHON" environment where innovation happens through doing.
By working with actual waste and modern technologies, talents develop practical solutions and a sustainable mindset that is highly relevant for future jobs in engineering and science.
Resource scarcity and climate change require new ways of thinking.
CirQmind builds the bridges between technical necessity and social acceptance, ensuring that the next generation has both the tools and the motivation to build a sustainable future.
Participation is open to everyone! - Students can join hands-on projects and workshops. - Companies can become partners and share their technological expertise. - Educational institutions can integrate CirQmind concepts into their curriculum. - Simply use our contact form at the bottom of the page to get in touch!
Get in Touch
Do you have questions about CirQmind, want to participate in a MAKEATHON, or are you interested in a partnership? We look forward to hearing from you!