Are you a changemaker with a vision for a more sustainable and decarbonized fashion industry? Are you ready to make an impact that benefits both people and the planet? The H&M Foundation’s Global Change Award (GCA), often called “The Nobel Prize of Fashion,” aims to identify and support visionary solutions to help the textile industry transition to net-zero emissions. This award invites forward-thinkers to share ideas that can reshape the future of fashion while addressing one of its biggest challenges—reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Launched in 2015, the Global Change Award aims to inspire and drive sustainable transformation across the fashion sector. So far, it has supported 46 groundbreaking innovations and awarded over €8 million in funding to changemakers worldwide. Winners of the GCA gain access to a unique Changemaker Programme, which combines financial support with industry connections, strategic mentorship, and expert training through collaborations with Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

The Global Change Award (GCA) focuses on four main areas of transformation to drive sustainable impact:

1. Sustainable Materials and Processes: Innovations in low-energy materials, recycled fibers, sustainable energy use, and new construction techniques.
2. Responsible Production: Solutions for renewable energy, efficient resource use, waste management, traceability, and zero-waste practices.
3. Mindful Consumption: Approaches to reduce demand, extend garment life, and promote recycling and circular business models.
4. Wildcards: Unique solutions that align with GCA’s mission to decarbonize fashion but may fall outside the main categories.

GCA has grown into a global network of changemakers—industry experts, brands, retailers, funders, and suppliers—driving industry-wide change toward a sustainable future.

To support this transformation, GCA:

• Promotes systems thinking: Encourages a holistic approach focused on people and the planet.
• Builds connections: Links changemakers with key industry players, fostering broad collaboration.
• Shares knowledge: Spreads insights on the ecosystem’s challenges, solutions, and innovations.
• Encourages diversity: Supports a diverse network of innovators to tackle sustainability from multiple perspectives.

Important details:

• Organized by: H&M Foundation
• Partners: Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology
• Nomination Opens: 21 October 2024
• Nomination Deadline: 15 November 2024
• Nominee Applications Open: 13 November – 13 December 2024
• Winner Announcement: April 2025
• Changemaker Program: May 2025
• Award Ceremony: October 2025
• No. of winners: 10 winners
• Funding Type: Grant (€200,000 per winner)
• Eligible Countries: Open globally
• Eligible Gender: All
• Target Group: Changemakers with innovative solutions for sustainable fashion
• Focus Area: Sustainable fashion, textile decarbonization, circular economy
• Duration: One-year Changemaker Programme
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Sweden (Stockholm City Hall for award ceremony)

Benefits and Financial Aids

The following are the benefits of the award:

• Grant Funding: Each winner receives €200,000 to support their innovation.
• Changemaker Programme: A one-year, industry-backed program offered by the H&M Foundation in collaboration with Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, covering training, mentorship, and industry connections.
• Networking Opportunities: Winners are introduced to a robust network of stakeholders, including industry leaders, brands, and experts.
• Award Ceremony: Winners are honored at Stockholm City Hall, where they connect with other changemakers and industry influencers.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet these requirements:

• Open to applicants worldwide with no restrictions on nationality or gender.
• Applicants must present solutions that contribute to decarbonizing the textile industry or provide innovative systems for sustainability.
• Ideal candidates are individuals or teams strongly committed to environmental and social impact within the fashion industry.
• Innovations should align with one or more of the GCA’s focus areas: sustainable materials, responsible production, mindful consumption, or wildcard categories.

How to Apply?

• Complete the Application Form: Include all required documents and information that outlines the vision, impact, and implementation of your innovation.
• Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure the application is complete and submitted before the deadline.
• Stay Updated: Follow the GCA’s website and social media channels for results and program timelines updates.

Apply Now

Selection Criteria

The GCA’s core partners, Accenture, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, The Mills Fabrica, and a large group of industry experts, first evaluate each application. The concepts are carefully scored as part of the screening process, and they are assessed according to the following standards:

• The idea’s potential to benefit the world
• Scalability of the Idea
• Experience and capability of the team
• The novelty of the concept

Please visit the official website for more information about the Global Change Award.

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