Techstyle For Social Good Global Innovation Challenge
Empowering Young Innovators for Sustainability
Apply Now
01TFSG 2024
Introduction
Since 2019, The Mills Fabrica hosts the 'Techstyle For Social Good’ Global Innovation Challenge annually to drive positive environmental and social impact through awarding techstyle and agrifood prizes to game-changing solutions from young innovators.
Open to students or recent graduates, 'Techstyle For Social Good' receives submissions globally, while finalists present their projects to a world-class panel of judges, featuring representatives from Adidas Group, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Tin Shed Ventures (Patagonia), Material Innovation Initiative, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) etc.
This year, we are honored to partner with Pangaia, and Innovate 360 to provide extensive support to the winners, including mentorship program, networking opportunities, test kitchen residency, and more.
680+
SUBMISSIONS
15+
prize winners
HKD
2.1M+
PRIZES AWARDED
Getting Involved?
1
Applications Open
7 June 2024
2
Application Close
22 July 2024
3
Selection and Evaluation
Jul - Aug 2024
4
Community Voting
Aug
5
Final Pitching in Hong Kong
27 Sep 2024
5
Final Pitching in Hong Kong
27 Sep 2024
4
Community Voting
Aug
The Categories:
1. Techstyle Track
1. Techstyle Track
The textile and apparel industry faces immense pressure to address its substantial social and environmental impact. While traditional manufacturing heavily relies on resource-intensive materials and practices, identifying innovations, from new materials to transformative design, is critical to enhancing sustainability across the supply chain.
Photo Courtesy: Fibe
2. Agrifood Tech Track
The agrifood industry encounters significant challenges in the quest for a sustainable and resilient agrifood ecosystem. Conventional practices often lead to environmental degradation and social concerns, relying heavily on resource-intensive methods.
Issues such as food waste, production inefficiencies, and the environmental impact of conventional agriculture demand urgent attention. Moreover, there is a growing need to meet the demand for alternative food ingredients that are both sustainable and nutritious.
Photo: The Moonbeam Co.; Courtesy: The DBS Foundation
Eligibility
- Individual and group entries (with max. 5 members)
- At least one core team member who is currently a student (undergraduate and postgraduate) or has graduated within the past three years
- At least one team member who is available to participate in the final pitching competition physically in Hong Kong
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Judging Criteria
Submissions will be judged on the following criteria by a panel of distinguished industry experts and world-renowned design academia:
Innovation
Standing out from others with uniqueness to the market in terms of concept, design, technology and user experience to provide game-changing solutions solving a real-world problem
Impact to society
Maximizing resource productivity, being kinder to our planet, minimizing impact on the environment that improve lives, and contributing to a better society
Scalability
The business model is able to grow without being hampered by its structure or available resources when faced with increased production
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Prizes
Worth over HKD 550,000
Winners will receive essential support to develop their projects including 3-month residencies at The Mills Fabrica in our spaces either in Hong Kong or London, mentorship, access to flexible coworking space, Fabrica Lab, and exposure opportunities to media, The Mills Fabrica’s industry partners and community through events and showcases, as well as a cash prizes.
Residency
Stipends during residency in Hong Kong or London
Hot desk memberships in Hong Kong or London
Complimentary lab membership and discount^
Residency support at Innovate 360 Test Kitchen*
Incubation & Connections
Incubation and mentorship support by Fabrica team
Access to Fabrica community events
Networking opportunities
Tailored mentorship program by Pangaia team^
Immersion trip in Singapore hosted by Innovate 360*
Cash Prize
Up to HKD 15,000 (~USD 1,900)
^ For techstyle winners | * For agrifood tech winners
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Founding Year
Headquarter
Business Stage
Funding stage
Key milestones
Job openings
Key investors
Read their success story
07TFSG 2024
Registration
Fill in the form to join the competition on or before 22 July 2024!