Return to Earth.
2026 Design Challenge
California is eliminating single-use plastics under SB 54, the state's Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. Return to Earth is an open call for practical, real-world ideas, materials, and systems that help make that transition happen.
The Context
With SB 54 in place, businesses across California face one of the most complex packaging transitions in modern history. Solutions built here, in the world's 4th largest economy, won't just help California comply — they'll be a model for reducing single-use plastics everywhere. Return to Earth calls on students, founders, researchers, and organizations across the Central Valley and beyond to propose the ideas that make that transition real. Whichever track you enter, the same question sits underneath: how do we move California, practically and quickly, away from single-use plastic?
Find Your Track
Below are highlights, see full information packet for details.
General Track
For CBIO Collaborative organizational members — startups, companies, municipalities, nonprofits, and researchers — ready to bring a bio-based material, product, or systems solution toward real implementation.
Who Can Enter
Startups, companies, municipalities, nonprofits, consultants, and researchers who are Organizational Members of CBIO Collaborative, or their affiliates.
What to Submit
Any proposal with a circular bioeconomy element — from feedstocks and material design to processing infrastructure, supply chain coordination, or new business models.
Submission Process
- 1. Notice of Intent — due September 4, 2026
- 2. 4-page Proposal — due Sept 25, 2026
- 3. Pitch at BioCirCA by invite — Nov 10, 2026
Prizes
Plus eligibility for up to $100K in follow-on BEAM Circular grants.
Student Track
For undergraduates at participating CBIO campuses. No lab coat required — propose a behavior-change idea, a smarter packaging system, or a local supply-chain fix, backed by real stakeholder conversations.
Who Can Enter
Teams of up to 5 currently enrolled undergrads at UC Merced, Merced College, CSU Stanislaus, Modesto Junior College, University of the Pacific, San Joaquin Delta College, UC Davis, or CSU Fresno.
What to Submit
A behavior-change idea, tracking or reuse system, pricing model, redesigned packaging, or local supply-chain shift — not a new material or lab breakthrough.
Submission Process
- 1. 3+ stakeholder interviews required
- 2. 5-minute video pitch — due October 11, 2026
- 3. Pitch at BioCirCA by invite — Nov 10, 2026
Prizes
The Final Step: Pitching at BioCirCA
Every path through Return to Earth — General or Student — leads to the same room. On November 10, 2026, finalists from both tracks pitch live at the BioCirCA, in front of judges, investors, and industry experts, where winners are announced.
Become a Judge or Mentor
Return to Earth runs on people who know this space — packaging, waste systems, materials, and business strategy. Judges score proposals and pitches at both tracks; mentors work directly with teams during customer discovery and pitch prep. Either way, you help shape the ideas that could shape California's plastic transition.
Resources & Videos
Recordings, guides, and support materials for the challenge will be added here as they become available.
Video coming soon
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Resource coming soon