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ISC3 is looking for innovative solutions in the field of Sustainable Chemistry for textiles - Innovation Challenge 2024 endowed with 25,000 euros
Which innovative ideas in sustainable chemistry have the potential to improve the textile sector? This is the question posed by the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) in the Innovation Challenge 2024. start-ups and innovators from all over the world can now apply with their answers and solutions in the field of Sustainable Chemistry for the annual ISC3 innovation competition, which is once again endowed with a total of EUR 25,000. The application period started on 1 November 2023 and the ISC3 will accept applications until 1 March 2024. "Sustainable Chemistry plays a crucial role in transforming the textile industry to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For this reason, we want to address, reward and promote Sustainable Chemistry start-ups and their original solutions for the textile sector as part of this year's ISC3 Innovation Challenge," says Dr Alexis Bazzanella, Director of the ISC3 Innovation Hub.
With the fifth innovation competition, in 2024 ISC3 is looking for innovations in the field of Sustainable Chemistry and textiles, particularly in the following main areas:
Environmentally benign production
- Substitution of harmful chemicals in textile and leather manufacturing
- Alternative processes, e.g. use of enzymes for leather tanning
- Etc.
Alternative materials and feedstock
- Use of alternative fibre feedstock, e.g. pre- and post-consumer fibre waste and agricultural waste and recycled textile waste in textile production
- Alternative materials, e.g. natural alternatives to synthetic fabrics or vegan leather alternatives
- Etc.
Waste minimization and recycling
- Material-efficient manufacturing of fabrics and garments
- Mechanical recycling of textile fibres and fabrics
- Etc.
Alternative business models
- Social entrepreneurship improving the textile supply chain and contributes to local/regional employment
- Chemical leasing concepts for textile chemicals, dyes, etc.
- Etc.
The finalists selected by the international jury will receive access to customised support through the ISC3 Global Start-up Service as well as pitch training, networking opportunities and visibility through the ISC3 communication channels.
The ISC3 Global Start-up Service is the world's first program to offer comprehensive support to innovators in Sustainable Chemistry. The unique program supports start-ups based on their needs and provides direct access to talent, experts and stakeholders by bringing together the relevant players to find the right solutions.
The winner of the Innovation Challenge 2024 will receive prize money of EUR 15,000. In addition, the winners of two further categories, namely "Best Regional Impact" and "Best Social Impact" or "Special Impact", will receive prize money of EUR 5,000 each.
Applications submitted by innovators and entrepreneurs from the Global South and ideas that address challenges in developing countries are particularly encouraged. The finalists will be officially announced at the end of June 2024. They will pitch for the Innovation Award at the ISC3 Investor Forum in autumn or winter 2024.
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