Circular Solutions Enterprise (formerly HotForest) was founded in 2020 and is an interdisciplinary team at Michigan Technological University focused on developing real-world solutions that support the circular bioeconomy. In contrast to the traditional “make, use, dispose” model, the circular bioeconomy emphasizes keeping materials in use for as long as possible, reducing waste, and recovering resources to create new value.
Our projects explore areas such as sustainable design, renewable energy systems, recycled and bio-based materials, circular manufacturing, and strategies that reduce environmental impact. Through hands-on engineering, research, and design, we work to transform waste streams into useful products and systems.
The team includes students from a wide range of majors across the Colleges of Engineering, Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Computing, Business, and Sciences and Arts. This interdisciplinary approach brings together diverse technical, environmental, and business perspectives to develop practical and innovative solutions.