Deadline: October 6, 2025
Applications are open for the H&M Foundation Global Change Award 2026. The Global Change Award is a global innovation challenge launched by the H&M Foundation in 2015 to accelerate the transition to a circular and planet-positive fashion industry.
GCA is looking for changemakers who fall into one of four overarching areas:
- Wildcards – unexpected impactful ideas that haven’t been thought of yet, or that amplify transformation within multiple areas.
- Sustainable materials and processes – such as low energy materials and new and recycled fibers, sustainable energy practices, alternative wet processes, treatments and finishes, new construction techniques and more.
- Responsible production – such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, prediction modelling, on-demand, waste management, zero-waste solutions and more.
- Mindful consumption – such as reshaping demand, garment care, extending garment life cycles, recycling solutions, circular business models and more.
Benefits
Every year, 10 winners will be awarded. Winning this prestigious award grants access to three key components:
- A yearlong Changemaker Programme: As a winner you get access to the Changemaker Programme, designed together with GCA’s strategic partners Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology and contributing partner The Mills Fabrica. It includes three immersive in-person weeks, expert sessions, and an extensive peer network.
- €200,000 grant and global recognition: Each winner receives a €200,000 grant, with no strings attached. You are free to collaborate with whoever you want – GCA exists to drive transformation for the entire industry. You’ll be celebrated at the iconic Stockholm City Hall, home of the Nobel Prize banquet, and introduced to the textile industry on a global stage.
- Access to the industry and the GCA community: You’ll gain access to GCA’s ever-growing, vibrant community of changemakers, researchers, brands, suppliers, investors and more. They actively facilitate connections across the value chain to help you test, grow and scale your solution.
Eligibility
- Nominators include, but are not limited to, organisations such as universities, research institutes, governmental organisations, non-profits, brands, suppliers and GCA alumni.
Nomination
The Mills Fabrica, one of the official nominators for the Global Change Award, are accepting proposals from changemakers. This means, that changemakers can send in their ideas and have a chance to become nominated by The Mills Fabrica.
For more information, visit Global Change Award.
