Nominations now open for Global Change Award 2026

GCA is on the hunt for early-stage ideas across four areas; responsible production, mindful consumption, sustainable materials and processes and wildcards – bold, unexpected ideas that no one has thought of yet, but that could spark real transformation.

Every year, new ideas and passionate individuals emerge with the potential to transform the way fashion is made, used and valued. In just twelve months, the world – and the innovation space – can shift dramatically. As Annie Lindmark, Programme Director for Innovation at the H&M Foundation, puts it:

“Each new year when the nominations open, so much has happened in the world since the last round; we see new challenges, needs, technological break throughs and opportunities. I’m always curious to see the potential that’s out there, and the new disruptive ideas that passionate changemakers are sitting on right now.”

What Global Change Award (GCA) is looking for

GCA is on the hunt for early-stage ideas across four areas:

• Responsible production – rethinking how fashion is made
• Mindful consumption – changing how we use and value fashion
• Sustainable materials and processes – reimagining fibres and methods
• Wildcards – bold, unexpected ideas that no one has thought of yet, but that could spark real transformation

Equally important as the ideas are the people behind them. “The changemaker is the heart of the Global Change Award,” Annie explains. “We look equally at the idea and the team behind it. What matters is their commitment, their capacity to follow through, and their initiative – that ability to translate intentions into action.”

How the nomination process works

For the second year, GCA is running a nomination-based process. A global network of nominators – from universities and NGOs to foundations, accelerators and alumni – help to uncover talent that might otherwise go unseen. Partners such as Ashoka, Textile Exchange and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation are some of the actors helping us find new innovators.

A global network of nominators – from universities and NGOs to foundations, accelerators and alumni – help to uncover talent that might otherwise go unseen.

In addition, changemakers can apply directly through The Mills Fabrica – an official nominator and long-standing GCA partner – which is accepting proposals and will nominate the most promising candidates. Based in Hong Kong and London, The Mills Fabrica operates at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and textile, giving it a unique vantage point to spot bold ideas that traditional industry filters might overlook. As Cintia Nunes, General Manager and Head of Asia at The Mills Fabrica, explains:

“We are truly excited to see creative, resilient, and purpose-driven innovators stepping forward – especially those with a deep-rooted commitment to driving impact at scale and a willingness to challenge the status quo.”

Lessons learned – and hopes for this year

The nomination model has already helped GCA broaden its reach and find more diverse winner profiles. Annie reflects:

“We’re quite different from a typical start-up accelerator. We’re not looking only for entrepreneurs – we also want to find non-profits, researchers or community-based innovators who might not normally think of themselves as winners in an innovation challenge.”

Looking ahead, Annie is especially eager to see more submissions in the Wildcards category: unexpected, cross-cutting ideas that could spark transformation in surprising ways. Cintia echoes this sense of curiosity, pointing to exciting areas where new solutions are needed – from bio-based fibres and circular materials to AI-driven garment design, post-consumer recycling, and robotics for localised, demand-responsive manufacturing.

Supporting early-stage innovation is essential because it’s where the seeds of radical transformation begin

Cintia Nunes

“Supporting early-stage innovation is essential because it’s where the seeds of radical transformation begin,” Cintia says. “By nurturing early-stage innovators, we help unlock disruptive technologies or business models that can fundamentally shift industry practices.”

A look to the future

The impact of today’s nominations reaches far beyond this year. As Annie envisions:

“In 10 years, I hope the changemakers we select today will have helped build a textile industry that thrives within planetary boundaries and supports human wellbeing. An industry where decarbonisation is a given, equity is embedded, and innovation is inclusive. Above all, I hope they will have shifted the mindset of the industry – influencing how we define progress and transforming not only the innovation landscape but also the way we think, collaborate and lead.”

In 10 years, I hope the changemakers we select today will have helped build a textile industry that thrives within planetary boundaries and supports human wellbeing.

Annie Lindmark

Cintia adds a piece of advice to both applicants and nominators:

“Be fearlessly authentic and relentlessly curious. The journey is as important as the destination – embrace it, and never underestimate the power of your unique perspective.”

How to take part in GCA 2026

Do you know someone with a bold idea that could transform the textile and fashion industry for people and planet? Or are you a changemaker ready to step forward with your own solution? The Global Change Award 2026 nomination window is open from 1 September to 6 October.

Find out how to apply through The Mills Fabrica.