On 27 August 2025, RDI Hub hosted the second session in FoodCoP’s Startup Villages webinar series, focusing on real-world solutions where circular economy meets social inclusion, biodiversity, and rural innovation.

Titled “Join Us to Explore Circular Solutions and Innovation in our Startup Village”, the webinar showcased inspiring projects from across Ireland that exemplify how environmental and social goals can align to create meaningful, scalable impact.

Four guest speakers shared their unique approaches:

🌳 Debbie Reynolds, founder of Local Roots, presented a compelling story of transforming overgrown farmland into a thriving native Irish tree nursery. Her project not only boosts biodiversity but also revives community spirit through hands-on tree planting and environmental education.

🌾 Liz Maher, CEO of Inspired and co-founder of Scotia Village, offered an inclusive model where people with intellectual disabilities engage in sustainable food production, climate education, and entrepreneurship. From organic farming to running their own Shopify store, participants are empowered to lead the change.

♻️ Fiona Kelleher, CEO of AmuGreen, introduced MyGug — a cutting-edge technology that turns food waste into renewable energy. Fiona shared how one Irish island community is putting this innovation into practice to strengthen circularity and resilience.

🧪 Colm Casey, founder of Anam Algae, closed the session with a look at biotech entrepreneurship. His startup cultivates mushrooms on coffee waste and develops microalgae-based products from industrial by-products — demonstrating how waste can truly become worth.

Each speaker illustrated how rural communities can lead the way in designing holistic, circular systems that benefit both people and the planet.

📺 The recording of the session is now available on the FoodCoP Platform:
👉  https://www.platform-foodcop.eu/