GCA announces textile innovators for 2026
The H&M Foundation has revealed the names of the ten textile innovators receiving a Global Change Award (GCA) this year. Each start-up will be a part of a year-long mentorship programme and will receive a €200,000 grant.
The organisation has selected five companies in the fibre and materials category. Canvaloop (India) is making a lyocell fibre from agricultural (pineapple and banana) and bast (flax and hemp) waste. ArtSilk (Sweden) is developing a biomimetic spider silk and envisioning various applications. Fiberly (France & Argentina) intends to derive a cellulosic fibre from cotton waste. TeraMira (UK) is making progress on a non-petrochemical stretch fibre. KelTex (Tanzania) is creating a leather alternative from seaweed.
Two biotech companies are part of this year’s cohort. MicroBlues (India) is developing a blue dye produced via fermentation. Rhea’s Factory (US) is using artificial intelligence to design enzymes that can break down plastics.
Tech-oriented innovators include Alu (US), which seeks to turn environmental obligations, such as the digital product passport, into customer building tools. EntroMetrix (UK) is harnessing AI to smooth out logistical challenges. ThreadBridge (Bangladesh) is using AI to automate fabric quality inspection.
