I’m always looking for opportunities that connect theory with real-world application. That’s what drew me to the CircularTech Summer School organized by ZHAW and the Circular EELISA Community. I saw it as a chance to step out of the classroom and into a collaborative setting where circular thinking is put into practice.
We worked directly with companies exploring or advancing circular business models. I was part of the team collaborating with Cloudburst GmbH, a consulting firm developing services to support circular transformation. Our task was to design a prototype for a digital platform that could guide companies on their journey toward circularity. From research and user interviews to mapping service blueprints and refining our value proposition, the process was intense but very rewarding.
Working in a diverse and interdisciplinary team added a lot of value. Everyone brought a different perspective, and it was inspiring to see how quickly we aligned around a common goal. The atmosphere was open, constructive, and full of energy. Even with the time pressure, we managed to develop a clear and functional concept that we were proud to present at the end.
A highlight for me was visiting FREITAG, a company known for turning used truck tarps into durable, stylish bags. Seeing how circularity is embedded in every part of their process—from material sourcing to design and branding—made a strong impression. It reminded me that circular business models are not just possible, but already happening.
What I appreciated most about the summer school was how hands-on and applied it was. We weren’t just learning concepts—we were using them, testing them, and reflecting on them in real time.
It pushed me to think more critically, work more collaboratively, and approach circularity not just as a technical challenge, but as a design opportunity.
Overall, these two weeks left me feeling inspired and better equipped to bring circular thinking into my future work. It was a space to experiment, grow, and connect with people who care deeply about building more sustainable systems. I’m excited to carry that momentum forward.
About Daniela:
“I’m Daniela Morán, a 26-year-old from Ecuador currently pursuing a Master’s in Physical Geography at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg. I joined EELISA because I believe in the power of collaboration across cultures and disciplines to address the environmental and social challenges we face today.”
I’m always looking for opportunities that connect theory with real-world application. That’s what drew me to the CircularTech Summer School organized by ZHAW and the Circular EELISA Community. I saw it as a chance to step out of the classroom and into a collaborative setting where circular thinking is put into practice.
We worked directly with companies exploring or advancing circular business models. I was part of the team collaborating with Cloudburst GmbH, a consulting firm developing services to support circular transformation. Our task was to design a prototype for a digital platform that could guide companies on their journey toward circularity. From research and user interviews to mapping service blueprints and refining our value proposition, the process was intense but very rewarding.
Working in a diverse and interdisciplinary team added a lot of value. Everyone brought a different perspective, and it was inspiring to see how quickly we aligned around a common goal. The atmosphere was open, constructive, and full of energy. Even with the time pressure, we managed to develop a clear and functional concept that we were proud to present at the end.
A highlight for me was visiting FREITAG, a company known for turning used truck tarps into durable, stylish bags. Seeing how circularity is embedded in every part of their process—from material sourcing to design and branding—made a strong impression. It reminded me that circular business models are not just possible, but already happening.
It pushed me to think more critically, work more collaboratively, and approach circularity not just as a technical challenge, but as a design opportunity.
Overall, these two weeks left me feeling inspired and better equipped to bring circular thinking into my future work. It was a space to experiment, grow, and connect with people who care deeply about building more sustainable systems. I’m excited to carry that momentum forward.
About Daniela:
“I’m Daniela Morán, a 26-year-old from Ecuador currently pursuing a Master’s in Physical Geography at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg. I joined EELISA because I believe in the power of collaboration across cultures and disciplines to address the environmental and social challenges we face today.”