Call For Applications: H&M Foundation’s Global Change Award 2026 (€200,000 grant)
The Global Change Award is a global innovation challenge launched by the H&M Foundation in 2015 to accelerate the transition to a circular and planet-positive fashion industry.
Best fashion retailers
GCA is looking for changemakers who fall into one of four overarching areas:
Wildcards – unexpected impactful ideas we haven’t even thought of yet, or that amplify transformation within multiple areas.
Sustainable materials and processes – such as low energy materials and new and recycled fibers, sustainable energy practices, alternative wet processes, treatments and finishes, new construction techniques and more.
Responsible production – such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, prediction modelling, on-demand, waste management, zero-waste solutions and more.
Mindful consumption – such as reshaping demand, garment care, extending garment life cycles, recycling solutions, circular business models and more.
Best clothing retailers
Every year, 10 winners will be awarded. Winning this prestigious award grants access to three key components:
1. A yearlong Changemaker Programme
As a winner you get access to the Changemaker Programme, designed together with GCA’s strategic partners Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology and contributing partner The Mills Fabrica. It includes three immersive in-person weeks, expert sessions, and an extensive peer network.
2. €200,000 grant and global recognition
Grants for young leaders
Each winner receives a €200,000 grant, with no strings attached. You are free to collaborate with whoever you want – GCA exists to drive transformation for the entire industry. You’ll be celebrated at the iconic Stockholm City Hall, home of the Nobel Prize banquet, and introduced to the textile industry on a global stage.
3. Access to the industry and the GCA community
You’ll gain access to GCA’s ever-growing, vibrant community of changemakers, researchers, brands, suppliers, investors and more. We actively facilitate connections across the value chain to help you test, grow and scale your solution.
Grants for young leaders
TIMELINE 2025/2026:
- Proposal period: The platform is open for submitting your proposal until 6 October 2025, 8.00 am CET. You will be informed by GCA if your idea has been nominated by The Mills Fabrica by the end of October 2025.
- Screening: The screening period stretches from December 2025 to March 2026. The screening is conducted in collaboration with a broad network of industry experts, partners, and expert panel. The winners will be notified in April 2026.
- Announcement: The winners are announced publicly in May 2026.
- Changemaker Program: The yearlong GCA Changemaker Program commences in May 2026.
- Award ceremony: The winners are crowned and celebrated at the Global Change Award ceremony in City Hall, Stockholm, Sweden in October 2026.
Application Deadline: 6 October 2025, 8.00 am CET.