Event overview
The Frontiers symposium, "The business case for circular economy", took place in Bangkok, Thailand from 4 to 6 August 2025, in partnership with Programme Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMU-C). The symposium brought together leading researchers, innovators and practitioners to explore new ideas around circular economy, sustainability and using resources better. These discussions will open new ways of thinking and encourage collaboration towards a more circular future.
The event offered a unique opportunity for delegates from different disciplines to connect and network with experts from around the world, and to explore cross-cutting issues through three sub-themes:
- Digital solutions and creative design for the circular economy - harnessing advanced technologies, creative design, and digital solutions to convert waste
- Inclusive systems and policy development for circular practices - building policy and frameworks for a just, effective circular economy
- Waste valorisation and financing strategies - looking at the business case for waste and waste valorisation finance initiatives
Symposium format
- Event dates: Monday 4 August to Wednesday 6 August 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand
- Participants arrive: evening of 3 August
- Welcome dinner and networking: 3 August
- Event structure: At the core of the event, there will be three cross-cutting, challenge-led sessions that bridge the different disciplines.
Post-event funding
Seed funding grants worth £20,000 over one year will be awarded to successful collaborations developed via the symposium. See here previous grant awardees to familiarise yourself with the types of projects.
Event Chairs
Dr Debashish Bhattacharjee FREng
Dr Debashish has over 40 years of experience in materials science, industry, and entrepreneurship. With a PhD from Cambridge, he led global technology at Tata Steel, driving decarbonisation and valorisation technologies. He holds many distinctions, including fellowship of the Indian National Academy of Engineering and government-awarded honour of National Metallurgist. Dr Debashish is now Managing Partner at Lionstead Ventures and Professor of Practice at IIT Madras, focusing on deep-tech innovation and sustainability.
Dr. Jintawat Chaichanawong
Dr. Jintawat is Programme Director of the Circular Economy Programme under PMUC, and Director of the Center of Research Excellence in Material Engineering and BCG Economy at TNI. He is a leading expert in chemical and materials engineering, with research interests in bio-based materials, waste-to-energy innovation, and carbon-neutral technologies such as biocoke derived from agricultural residues. With extensive international collaboration and deep experience across academic and policy spheres, he plays a key role in bridging research, industry, and policy to drive innovation in circular economy and sustainable development.