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Hong Kong ICT Awards 2025: ICT Startup Award

The Mills Fabrica Innovation Challenge Reimagining Textile Recycling - Unleashing the Potential of Cotton Powder

The Mills Fabrica is partnering with a renowned American retail corporation to explore innovative uses for cellulose-based textile waste obtained from upcycling cotton-polyester blended garments. We welcome early-stage ideas from around the world that can leverage cellulosic powder for applications beyond the textile sector. The winning idea will be awarded USD $20,000 by the American retail corporation to advance their solution.

The Mills Fabrica Innovation Challenge is currently accepting applications until June 30, 2025. Don't miss this golden opportunity to bring your idea to life, join the challenge today!

01: THE MILLS FABRICA INNOVATION CHALLENGE

The Challenge

The textiles and apparel industry significantly contributes to climate change, with its environmental footprint steadily on the rise. It generates 8–10% of global carbon emissions, superseding emissions from the aviation and shipping industries combined.* This underscores the pressing need for innovative solutions and eco-friendly practices to address and reduce these environmental impacts.

For this global competition, we are focusing on waste generated from cotton-polyester blends. These materials are widely used for their durability and cost-effectiveness; however, their mixed composition poses recycling challenges. Yet, the separation process actually yields cellulose powder, a versatile substance that can find applications beyond textiles. We are seeking solutions that strive to discover innovative uses for cellulose powder, exploring its potential across various industries, like:

• Food ingredients: enhancing nutritional profiles or serving as a functional ingredient.
• Home Furnishings: developing eco-friendly upholstery or other household items.
• Interior Design: creating sustainable décor solutions.
• Building Materials: investigating its potential in construction or insulation materials.

... and more. Surprise us with your creative ideas!

In terms of judging criteria, every submission will undergo assessment across three key areas:

• Innovation:
  • The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the solution has to be 3 or above.
  • Consideration will be given to novel ideas, advanced technologies, and effective problem-solving capabilities.
• Scalability:
  • The potential for growth and expansion.
  • Applications should demonstrate market potential, operational capacity for larger implementation, and a clear growth strategy.
• Sustainability:
  • The environmental, social, and economic impacts of the solution.
  • Projects should minimise environmental harm, promote social equity, and present a viable long-term business model.

Benefits for Innovators

The Mills Fabrica Innovation Challenge aims to unlock transformative sustainability solutions through strategic collaborations between startups and corporates, empowering innovators to:

• Provide innovative solutions designed to meet the demands of industry-leading corporations.
• Gain recognition and engage with a panel of industry experts.
• Explore potential partnership opportunities with an international retail corporation.
• Stand a chance to win a prize of USD $20,000 to further develop their sustainable solution!
   

Timeline - What to expect:

• Application: Now until 30-June
• 1st round screening announcement: 31-July
• Finalist announcement: First week of September
• Final Pitching Day: 17-Oct

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