Manuel Maqueda

Who Is Manuel Maqueda?

Manuel Maqueda is a renowned professor, speaker, and global innovator specializing in circular economy, sustainability, and regenerative innovation. He teaches applied circular economy at Harvard University and created a groundbreaking online course on circular economy at the University of California, Berkeley. His work focuses on restoring balance to living systems and reversing climate change, combining his sustainability expertise with practical approaches to business transformation and innovation.

What is his Background?

Manuel Maqueda is the cofounder of several initiatives and organizations dedicated to fighting plastic pollution and promoting regenerative economic models. These include the Plastic Pollution Coalition and SUPER (Single-Use Plastics Elimination or Reduction), the first professional tool for companies to measure, reduce, and certify their plastic footprint. He also founded Kumu Thrive, a consulting agency on circular economy based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Recognized as a global sustainability leader, Maqueda has advised prestigious organizations such as The Long Now Foundation, funded by Jeff Bezos, which promotes long-term thinking. He also explores how artificial intelligence can collaborate with human ingenuity to design regenerative solutions, notably as the cofounder of Viento.ai, a pioneering organization using AI to address climate disasters.

Manuel has also produced cultural and educational initiatives like the award-winning documentary *Albatross*, raising awareness about plastic pollution and its devastating environmental effects.