H&M Foundation Backs Early-Stage Fashion Innovations

The H&M Foundation is addressing a critical gap in the textile industry by offering support for early-stage innovations—ideas that are often seen as too risky by traditional investors. Unlike businesses focused on immediate returns, the Foundation takes a more flexible approach, supporting high-potential changemakers who need resources and guidance before they’re ready for commercial investment.

In a shift from its previous open application system, the Global Change Award (GCA) will now rely on nominations from a diverse range of actors, including industry insiders, researchers, and non-profits. This change aims to broaden the pool of innovators and spotlight those who might not be on the radar of typical funding channels, ultimately increasing the reach and impact of the initiative.

GCA winners won’t just receive financial support; they’ll be immersed in a yearlong Changemaker Programme that includes mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and access to a powerful network of industry experts. Partnering with Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the program encourages participants to think beyond single-issue solutions like carbon emissions, aiming instead for holistic approaches that benefit both people and the planet.

Nominations for the 2025 Global Change Award begin on October 23, 2024, with the selected changemakers to be announced in April 2025.