This course focuses on sustainable medical device development within the healthcare supply industry using circular economy principles. It is designed for a variety of participants, from designers and engineers to managers and policymakers, providing an interdisciplinary approach with practical, real-world applications, supported by expert insights and business cases.

Students will dive deep into strategies like reuse, maintenance, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling, learning how to create value through circular processes and product designs. An integral part of the course is the creation of a circular proposal for your organization, harnessing entrepreneurial possibilities and innovative solutions to champion sustainability in healthcare.

• Theoretical foundations and practical applications of the circular economy specific to the healthcare industry.
• Strategies for urban mining and recovery of resources from waste.
• Classification and utilization of various waste streams in the development of new products.
• Designing processes and products that minimize waste through principles of sustainability.
• Creation and evaluation of circular proposals that contribute to organizational goals.

No specific prerequisites are required, making this course accessible to anyone interested in the topic, although a general background in healthcare or engineering might be helpful.

• Fundamentals of circular economy in healthcare.
• Strategies for maintenance, reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling of medical devices.
• Design of circular products and processes.
• Creation of a compelling circular proposal with actionable recommendations.
• Real-world business cases and examples from industry experts.

This course is designed for MedTech professionals, healthcare industry representatives, policy makers, managers, students, and anyone who aims to understand and implement circular economy principles within healthcare.

The skills acquired from this course can be directly applied to enhance sustainability practices in any healthcare setting. Graduates can lead initiatives to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and promote the reuse and recycling of medical devices, contributing to a more sustainable environment and reducing operational costs in their respective organizations.

Week 1: Introduction to Circular Economy
Week 2: Applying Circular Strategies
Week 3: Urban Mining Concepts
Week 4: Managing Waste Streams
Week 5: Circular Product and Process Design
Week 6: Developing Circular Proposals
Week 7: Course Wrap-Up and Additional Resources