The Global Change Award 2025 was launched to accelerate innovation in the net-zero emission textile industry by 2050.

H&M Foundation announced a significant change in its overall strategic direction, focusing on supporting the textile industry to halve greenhouse gas emissions every decade by 2050, while promoting a fair and just transition for both people and the planet.

The 2025 Global Change Award (GCA) for Innovation is the first initiative to reflect this shift, according to a press release.

The GCA is currently seeking innovative ideas addressing various high-emission areas in the textiles value chain, including sustainable materials and processes, responsible production, conscious consumption and wildcards that support the GCA’s goal. Today, only a portion of charitable capital is directed to combat climate change, the Foundation said.

“The textile industry needs every practical effort if we are to achieve our climate targets by 2050, and we must ensure this transition is fair for everyone. I truly believe that innovation is key to decarbonising the industry and that the Global Change Award can play a role in identifying and developing future change leaders whose ideas can have a transformative impact if given the right support,” he said. Karl-Johan Persson, Member of the Board of the H&M Foundation.

Since the GCA launched in 2015, 46 innovations have received support and a total grant of €8 million, according to the foundation.

While the GCA continues to award 10 winners each year, each receiving €200,000, there are other key updates to the GCA, the Foundation explains:

• New area of ​​focus – decarbonization of the textile industry.
• Holistic approach – equipping world changers to think holistically about people and the planet.
• Wider range of converters – transition to a candidate nomination procedure instead of an open application system.
• Systematic approach to change – enable changemakers to consider the entire textile value chain and its interconnections, and consider the impact on people.

“While the industry is hungry for innovation, a holistic approach to decarbonization is often lacking and important early stages of an innovator’s journey are overlooked – this is where philanthropy can make a real difference,” he said. Annie Lindmark, Innovation Program Director, H&M Foundation.

“In addition to financial support, winners will have access to a powerful network of mentors, collaborators and industry leaders who will help bring their solutions to life. Together with partners Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the H&M Foundation will invite winners to take part in a year-long customized Changemaker program. The winners of the Global Change Award 2025 will be announced in April 2025,” the foundation added.

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