Global Change Award by H&M Foundation
Accelerating innovations in the textile industry
The Global Change Award (GCA), initiated by the H&M Foundation, is an innovation challenge supporting early-stage innovation in the textile and fashion industry. Launched in 2015, the GCA seeks to accelerate the shift towards a circular, climate-positive, and inclusive textile value chain. Each year, 10 winners receive a €200,000 grant, access to a global network, and participation in the yearlong Changemaker Programme, designed to amplify their ideas, leadership, and impact.
The Global Change Award 2026 is now open for application. Apply by 6 October 2025 to share your groundbreaking ideas!
The Mills Fabrica has been collaborating with H&M Foundation since 2019 and is proud to serve as an Official Nominator for the Global Change Award from 2024 onwards. With a mission to accelerate sustainable innovation in the fashion and textile industries, we bring unparalleled expertise and a global network to support GCA’s changemakers who are redefining the industry. As a strategic partner to H&M Foundation, we are eager to see which changemakers will help propel the textile industry towards net-zero emissions, helping them turn bold ideas into scalable solutions. Our contributions include:
We guide innovators in refining their business models, strengthening strategies, and preparing to attract investors, ensuring their solutions are poised for growth.
Through our extensive global network, we connect changemakers with industry leaders, investors, and collaborators to amplify their reach and impact.
We unlock pathways to international partnerships, fostering initiatives that drive sustainability and systems change across the textile value chain.
H&M Foundation was funded by the Persson family, founders and majority owners of the H&M Group, supports the textile industry in halving its greenhouse gas emissions every decade by 2050, while promoting a just and fair transition for both people and the planet. Its projects target high-emission areas along the textile value chain where the H&M Foundation’s philanthropic strengths can have the greatest impact.
The Global Change Award accelerates innovation to support the textile industry, empowering innovators to turn their brilliant ideas into impactful innovations.
GCA is looking for changemakers who fall into one of four overarching areas:
e.g. low energy materials, new and recycled fibers, sustainable energy practices, alternative wet processes, treatments and finishes, new construction techniques and more.
e.g. energy efficiency, renewable energy, prediction modelling, on-demand, waste management, zero-waste solutions and more.
e.g. reshaping demand, garment care, extending garment life cycles, recycling solutions, circular business models and more.
unexpected impactful ideas we haven’t even thought of yet, or that amplify transformation within multiple areas.
Every year, 10 winners will be awarded. Winning this prestigious award grants access to three key components:
Each winner receives a no-strings-attached grant of 200,000 EUR to fuel their innovation.
The winners will be celebrated at a prestigious Award Ceremony in Stockholm City Hall, and offered the opportunity to meet industry professionals and the ever-growing GCA network.
The winners will be offered three immersive in-person weeks, expert sessions, and access to an extensive network of changemakers to accelerate their development.
