Deadline:
May 01, 2024
Location(s)
Germany Online
Overview
The annual ISC3 Innovation Challenge is thematically oriented along a once-per-year selected focus topic. Start-ups globally are invited to contend for a total of 25,000 EUR in prize money with their innovative ideas that are revolving around the ongoing year’s focus topic.
They are assessed by a jury of international experts who score the Start-ups and choose the finalists. The finalists’ pitches and the award ceremony take place in autumn/winter.
Details
ISC3 Innovation Challenge 2024 - Sustainable Chemistry and Textiles
We are looking for Innovators and their Sustainable Chemistry solutions that can improve the textile sector!
You are adressing this topic with your Start-up? Then apply for the next ISC3 Innovation Challenge and fill out the application form below.
Environmentally benign production:
- Substitution of harmful chemicals in textile and leather manufacturing*
- Alternative processes; e.g. use of enzymes for leather tanning
- Chemical recovery and reuse of solvents, sulphur compounds, additives etc. during the production process of fibres and fabrics
- Wastewater and sludge minimization and treatment contributing to Zero Liquid Discharge
* Please refer to the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (ZDHC MRSL).
Alternative materials and feedstock:
- Use of alternative fibre feedstock, e.g. pre- and post-consumer fibre waste and agricultural waste and recycled textile waste in textile production
- Alternative materials, e.g. natural alternatives to synthetic fabrics or vegan leather alternatives
Waste minimization and recycling:
- Material-efficient manufacturing of fabrics and garments
- Mechanical recycling of textile fibres and fabrics
- Chemical recycling technologies for textile waste
- Innovations reducing microplastic generated during use and laundry of synthetic textiles
Alternative business models:
- Social entrepreneurship changing the textile supply chain and contributing to local/regional employment
- Chemical Leasing concepts for textile chemicals, dyes etc.
Applications are organized in two stages and open from November 1st, 2023; 0:00 a.m. CET. First stage application deadline by March 1st, 2024, second stage application deadline by April 30th, 2024; 23:59 a.m. CEST.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Eligible participants
Eligible are all innovators and entrepreneurs, i.e., persons owning or representing the proposed innovation, employed by organisations including research institutes, start-ups, small-medium sized enterprises, or comparable institutions active in the development and realisation of sustainable chemistry solutions. Enterprises participating in the challenge shall have a staff headcount not exceeding 50 (full time equivalent) and an annual turnover of max. 10 million Euro. Enterprises majority-owned by large enterprises are not eligible for the award, except for innovations leading to the creation of independent spin-offs.Proposals submitted by innovators and entrepreneurs from developing countries and tackling challenges in developing countries are considered as particularly important. Female entrepreneurs are specifically encouraged to submit a proposal.
Criteria
The proposals will be assessed against the three main criteria:
- Innovation level. Is the innovation unique, distinct, and truly original?
- Business viability. What is the market potential of the innovation? Is the idea commercially feasible?
- Sustainability. What is the sustainability impact of the innovation?
Dates
Deadline: May 01, 2024
Cost/funding for participants
The winners are awarded money prizes in three categories:
- Best Social Impact for Start-ups that have a noteworthy impact on their community.
- Best Regional Impact for Start-ups with an innovative solution to solving an issue that is particularly relevant to their region.
- The overall Winner of our Innovation Challenge.
All the finalists receive a customized support of the ISC3 Global Start-up Service in form of pitch trainings and have the possibility to be featured as Start-up of the Month.
What to expect?
Five finalists will receive:
- Tailored support: access to Global Start-up Service Customised Support
- Visibility: promotion of your innovation via ISC3 communication channels
- Cash prizes: the overall Innovation Challenge Winner will receive a cash prize of 15,000 EUR.
- The two separate categories “Best Social Impact” and “Best Regional Impact" are endowed with cash prizes amounting to 5,000 EUR each.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
