INSIGHTS FROM THE DECIDE AND CEFOODCYCLE WORKSHOP “CIRCULAR ECONOMY MEETS AI – RETHINKING BUSINESS MODELS” AT SALZ21

On March 5th 2025, a dynamic exchange of ideas unfolded in Salzburg, as professionals from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the textile and food industries joined forces with scientific experts to explore the powerful synergy between circular economy principles and artificial intelligence.

Image 1. Salz21 expo and conference, Fotos: Innovation Salzburg/Herman Zakharchenko & Benedikt Schemmer.

Hosted by Interreg Danube Region Project DECIDE and Interreg Alpine Space Project CEFoodCycle, the interactive workshop “Circular Economy Meets AI – Rethinking Business Models” (original title in German “Kreislaufwirtschaft trifft KI: Geschäftsmodelle neu gedacht”) took place as part of salz21, a leading expo and conference dedicated to future-driven innovations.

Image 2. Miha Skrokov (Anteja ECG, VCG.AI), Fotos: Innovation Salzburg/Herman Zakharchenko & Benedikt Schemmer.

With over 900 attendees at salz21, the workshop provided a focused platform for 21 participants eager to learn how sustainability and economic success can go hand in hand. More than just a discussion, the event delivered practical solutions, real-world case studies, and hands-on guidance for companies looking to minimize resource consumption while enhancing competitiveness.

Image 3. The workshop, Fotos: Innovation Salzburg/Herman Zakharchenko & Benedikt Schemmer.

Key Takeaways:

Participants were introduced to the DECIDE and CEFoodCycle Interreg Projects, where key focuses and collaboration opportunities were presented.
Participants gained a comprehensive introduction to circular business models tailored for SMEs.
Practical Tools for Optimization: The workshop introduced effective strategies for process and resource efficiency, highlighting the Value Chain Generator (VCG) and foodcycle.ai as key tools.
Real-World Applications: Case studies showcased best practices and success stories from businesses that have successfully implemented circular economy strategies.
- Best Practice: Solos Aquaponics
- Best Practice: re-garum
Cross-Border Knowledge Exchange: Experts and entrepreneurs from the Danube and Alpine Space regions shared insights, fostering collaboration and innovation.

The event provided practical solutions and hands-on guidance for companies aiming to reduce resource consumption while enhancing their competitiveness. By leveraging AI and circular economy principles, businesses can not only minimize waste but also unlock new revenue streams. The workshop concluded with networking opportunities, allowing participants to build connections and explore future collaborations. With an increased understanding of sustainable business strategies, attendees are left equipped with actionable insights to drive change in their respective industries.

The workshop concluded with networking opportunities, allowing participants to build connections and explore future collaborations. With an increased understanding of sustainable business strategies, attendees are left equipped with actionable insights to drive change in their respective industries.

Image 4. Madeleine Koch (Innovation Salzburg) presenting the DECIDE project, Fotos: Innovation Salzburg/Herman Zakharchenko & Benedikt Schemmer.

The success of the workshop was driven by the expertise and dedication of a distinguished panel of speakers:

Miha Škrokov (Anteja ECG, VCG.AI),
Madeleine Koch (Innovation Salzburg GmbH)
Christine Vallaster (Paris Lodron University of Salzburg),
Eva Lienbacher (Salzburg University of Applied Sciences),
Werner Kaltner-Pomwenger (Salzburg University of Applied Sciences),
Reinhard Portenkirchner (Salzburg University of Applied Sciences).

The event was organized by David Brötzner, Herman Zakharchenko, and Madeleine Koch from Innovation Salzburg GmbH (one of the DECIDE project partners), ensuring a seamless experience for participants.

The workshop at salz21 demonstrated that the future of business is both circular and digital. By embracing AI-driven tools and circular economy models, companies can not only reduce waste and optimize resources but also drive innovation and economic growth.

With DECIDE and CEFoodCycle paving the way, the conversation does not end here—this is just the beginning of a larger movement toward a more sustainable and intelligent economy.