Global Innovators Wanted: HKRITA's Open Lab Launches Inaugural “Open Lab Global Challenge”

• Join the forefront of fashion sustainability – The Open Lab Global Challenge invites students worldwide to revolutionise the textile industry
• Sign up for a chance to win an iPad and exclusive mentorship opportunities

The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) is excited to announce the launch of the first-ever Open Lab Global Challenge. With its commitment to revolutionising the textile and fashion industry through sustainable innovation while nurturing young innovators, this international competition inspires creative solutions for key textile sustainability concerns and promote circularity in the industry.

Mr Jake Koh, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, shared his enthusiasm for the inaugural Challenge, saying, “We are at a critical juncture in the fashion industry where innovation intersects with environmental stewardship. The Open Lab Global Challenge not only reflects our commitment to sustainability but also serves as a platform for young minds to showcase their talents in shaping the future of our industry. We are eager to see the creative solutions that participants will bring to the table and are proud to support the next generation of leaders in textile innovation.”

Eligibility
The Challenge invites university-level students and high school students (age 15 or above) from around the world to “design for circularity” in textiles and apparels. It aims to raise awareness of sustainability and encourage the principles of circularity within the fashion industry as a contribution to a more sustainable future. Individuals or teams of up to four participants are required to submit a presentation illustrating their innovative ideas for a new product and/or business concept that embodies one or more of the circularity factors: durability, reusability, repairability and recyclability. The submissions will be evaluated based on four key aspects, namely, originality and creativity of the idea or design, considerations of environmental and social impact, alignment with circularity factors, and technical feasibility / potential user experience.

Registration and Submission Timeline
Registration starts today followed by a submission period from 1 February to 20 April 2025. The winners will be announced in June 2025 after evaluation by veteran industry practitioners and sustainability experts from around the world.

Prizes and Opportunities
Members from the winning teams will enjoy an exclusive one-on-one mentorship session to gain insights and guidance from a seasoned industry expert, with product development support from the Open Lab, together with other attractive prizes like an iPad for each winning team member. The winning idea for each category will also gain international exposure through features in reputable online media and a team presentation at the HKRITA Innovation and Technology Symposium, an annual flagship event of the R&D Centre where industry experts, business leaders and academic representatives from around the world gather to discuss key industry topics. This unique experience with its invaluable opportunities will not only celebrate their achievements but also empower these young innovators to make a lasting impact on the sustainable future of the industry.

Students from around the globe are welcome to join this exciting initiative. Information packs, including competition requirements and educational resources on circular design principles, will be provided to all registered participants. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.openlabglobalchallenge.com/Openlab.

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About the Open Lab

Open Lab, a pioneering initiative by HKRITA and the H&M Foundation, is a transformative force within the textile and fashion industry. The Open Lab spans 20,000 square feet in the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Hong Kong and hosts a technological database with over 80 sustainable projects, creating a dynamic hub for the entire industry value chain. It focuses on showcasing solutions, providing a platform for collaboration, and engaging in problem-solving and resource optimisation in order to set the stage for industry-wide transformation to address climate change. Supported by key stakeholders like the Innovation and Technology Fund* of the Hong Kong government and leading industry players, the Open Lab is driving the industry towards a sustainable future.