For the fourth year in a row, Ljubljana welcomed students from across Europe to co-create circular solutions in the heart of Slovenia. From 30 June to 4 July, 40 students took part in the Ecotopia Summer School, a programme which focuses on the circular economy through hands-on learning, collaboration and real-world application.

The summer school is part of the broader Ecotopia programme, developed within Eutopia, a network of ten European universities and six global partners working to transform higher education. The Circular Economy module, co-designed and co-delivered by ECESP Coordination Group member Circular Change, forms the core of the Ecotopia programme. It is implemented in close partnership with the Ecotopia Summer School | University of Ljubljana, School of Economics and Business.

Unlike traditional formats, the summer school is not based on exams. Instead, students apply their knowledge by working on a real-life business challenge. This year’s task was designing bio-based diet solutions for a plant-based restaurant in Ljubljana. Through gamified learning, systems thinking and interactive workshops, students translated theory into practice.

Led by circular economy experts - Ladeja Godina Košir, Maja Zalaznik, Mina Mansoor Rankel, Marco Segovia Bifarini and Polona Hrovat Mavšar - participants explored circular models, sustainability tools and collaborative innovation.

For many, it was a unique experience: being treated not as passive listeners, but as equal contributors to meaningful change. The school emphasised solidarity, inspiration and collaboration over competition - values that define both the programme and the mission of Circular Change.

More than just a learning experience, Ecotopia 2025 empowered the next generation of changemakers ready to shape a circular future.