Asia is a global leader in manufacturing and one of the largest consumer markets for fashion. The rapidly growing region presents significant opportunities to create value and impact, both socially and environmentally, from a transition towards a circular economy. The “Innovation Challenge: Joint Call for Innovation in the Asian Textile Industry”, is a collaborative initiative between four leading organisations that are driving circularity in the Asian textile industry. 

The Innovation Challenge is initiated by Fashion for Good, The Mills Fabrica, R.I.S.E. Sustainable Fashion Innovation Platform and Circular Economy Hub Japan, with the purpose of discovering the winning Asian innovations in the textile and apparel supply chain. With a rich heritage in textile manufacturing and production in this region, the Innovation Challenge is seeking to spark and scale promising innovations that have the potential to disrupt the current fashion supply chain worldwide. 

Who is eligible to apply? 

We welcome innovations with a proven concept, that fall under one or multiple of the following focus areas: 

• Raw materials
• Dyeing, processing and finishing
• Cut-make-trim
• Retail and use
• End of use 
• Overarching innovations within areas like transparency and traceability, packaging etc. 

What will the selected innovator(s) get? 

Selected innovator(s) will gain access to one or more of the following: 

1. Opportunity to be presented to Fashion for Good’s Innovation Partners for potential participation in the 2023 Fashion for Good Innovation Programme.
2. Opportunity to receive a 3-month residency at The Mills Fabrica Hong Kong depends on eligibility, as well as relevant marketing and networking exposures.
3. Opportunity to receive feedback and investment from top investors in China as well as exposure through the R.I.S.E. Sustainable Fashion Innovation Platform and other regional media partners. 
4. Opportunity to feature on the Circular Economy Hub Japan Podcast, Blog Post and / or online event, along with targeted introductions within the Circular Economy Hub community of 120 companies.  

How can you apply? 

Interested applicants are welcome to apply from the 1st of December until 11:59 p.m. on the 5th of January. Applying for the challenge is a simple process - all you need to do is complete the application form.

The form will provide us with information about your team, your product and the market you are in. The questions are intended to understand both the business and the team. 

What's next

Once you have completed and submitted the form, each of the four participating organisations will review your application. In case we need more information, we will reach out to you. 

Final results will be announced by the 23rd of January.