Techstyle for Social Good 2024 – International Student Competition

Launched in 2019, Techstyle for Social Good is a global innovation challenge that aims to honor students with brilliant ideas and entrepreneurial spirit, who develop interesting and inspiring projects in the fields of textiles and agrifood technologies.  

Open to all current students and alumni who have graduated internationally within the past 3 years, applicants have the chance to win over $HKD 550,000 (both cash and in-kind), including mentoring, residency at The Mills Fabrica in Hong Kong or London, access to their in-house prototyping lab, and participation in events and the community. Each year, hundreds of submissions are collected globally. Finalists will have the opportunity to participate in the Pitching Finale – the highlight of the program in Hong Kong – and showcase their innovations to a panel of judges from international brands and industry players.

This year, The Mills Fabrica is partnering with Pangaia, and Innovate 360 to provide extensive support to the winners, including mentorship program, networking opportunities, test kitchen residency, and more.

Project Categories 

Submissions must belong to one of the below tracks: 

1. Techstyle Track

• Identifies innovative solutions in alternative materials and generative design
• Enhances the performance, sustainability, and efficiency of apparel products and manufacturing processes

2. Agrifood Track

• Identifies innovative solutions in alternative food ingredients, upcycled solutions, and agrifood waste byproducts. 

Judging Criteria

 Submissions will be judged based on the following criteria:

• Innovation

  • Stands out from others with uniqueness to the market in terms of concept, design, technology and user experience

• Impact to Society

  • Maximizes resource productivity, minimizes impact on the environment that improve lives, and contributes to a better society

• Scalability

  • Business model can grow without being hampered by its structure or available resources when faced with increased production.

Prizes and Opportunities

Winners have the chance to win prizes worth over HK$550,000, in cash and in-kind. Further details of these benefits can be found below: 

• Residency

  • 3-month residency at The Mills Fabrica in Hong Kong/ London
  • Stipend (HK$36,000 in total, including round-trip flight ticket)
  • Complimentary lab membership and discount
  • Residency support at Innovate 360 Test Kitchen

• Incubation and Connections

  • Incubation and mentorship support by Fabrica team
  • Access to Fabrica community events
  • Exposure opportunities to media
  • Tailored mentorship program by Pangaia team
  • Immersion trip in Singapore hosted by Innovate 360

• Cash Prize

  • Up to HK$ 20,000 (~US$ 2,500)

Learn more about the event:

https://www.themillsfabrica.com/innovative_initiatives/techstyle-for-social-good-competition/

Register to the event now:

https://www.themillsfabrica.com/innovative_initiatives/techstyle-for-social-good-competition/#registration