Inspiration
What inspired your idea and which problem in fashion or textiles does it address?
Green Fashion Creative Ideas Competition
Create. Innovate. Inspire.
Do you have an idea that could make fashion more sustainable? Whether it is a product, a service, a digital solution or a new business model, this is your opportunity to turn your creativity into real impact.
Join vocational students and recent graduates (up to six months after graduation) from across Europe, connect with industry experts, receive mentoring and showcase your idea to an international audience.
Develop
Pitch
Connect
Grow
From Idea to Impact.
Transform your sustainable fashion idea into the business of tomorrow.
The future of fashion starts with your idea. Are you ready to shape it?
Every successful company started with a simple idea. This competition is your chance to transform your sustainable fashion idea into the business of tomorrow.
The competition is part of the Erasmus+ project Green Fashion Start Up, strengthening green and sustainable entrepreneurship competences among vocational students and recent graduates (up to six months after graduation) in the fashion and textile sector.
Application Focus
Your application should show where the idea came from, who it helps and why it matters.
Idea
Describe your concept clearly and explain what makes it unique or innovative.
Impact
Show the positive environmental and/or social impact your idea could create.
People
Identify the main target group and describe your first customer or user.
Sustainability Challenges
Select the challenge areas your idea addresses.
- Using sustainable materials
- Designing for circular fashion and textile recycling
- Contributing to waste reduction
- Designing to facilitate repair, reuse and product longevity
- Focussing on ethical production and fair working conditions
- Choosing local production and craftsmanship
- Developing a business based on high quality production
- Targeting clients and users with responsible values
- Adopting digital solutions for sustainability
- Making inspiring sustainable fashion
Competition Timeline
Key dates for applicants.
- Submission deadline
- Evaluation by the international jury
- Announcement of the winners
- Online Showcase Event
Selection Criteria
Your idea will be reviewed by an international jury from the textile, fashion and craft sectors.
25%Problem relevance and industry understanding
20%Innovation and originality
25%Sustainability impact
15%Customer perspective and market potential
15%Feasibility and implementation potential
Idea Stage
You can apply at different stages of development.
Initial idea / sketch
Design idea / pattern
Prototype available
Prototype tested
Other
For The Winners
Visibility, mentoring and access to a European fashion network.
The three highest ranked ideas receive a package designed to support further development and increase visibility within the European fashion ecosystem.
- International visibility through Green Fashion Start Up channels
- Promotion of winning ideas on the project website and social media
- Video pitch and product or prototype showcase at Avantex Paris in January 2027
- Access to companies, universities, research organisations and innovation hubs
- Mentoring, networking and potential incubation activities
- Digital certificate and badge for LinkedIn, portfolios and CVs
In addition to the opportunities and support outlined above, the three highest ranked ideas will receive the following cash awards:
- First Prize
- €350
- Second Prize
- €250
- Third Prize
- €150
The future of fashion starts with your idea.
Are you ready to shape it?
Application Form
Submit your sustainable fashion idea online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything applicants need before submitting.
How can I apply?
Complete the online application form before the submission deadline. You can also download the PDF version if you prefer to prepare your answers offline. In that case, please send your completed application to info@coredu.de.
Who can participate?
The competition is open to vocational students and recent graduates (up to six months after graduation) in the textile, fashion and related creative sectors.
Is participation free of charge?
Yes. Participation in the Green Fashion Creative Ideas Competition is free of charge.
Can I submit my application as a team?
Yes. Applications may be submitted individually or as a team. One person should act as the main contact.
Can I submit more than one idea?
No, only one submission per participant or team is permitted.
In which language can I submit my application?
Applications may be submitted in English, German, French or Turkish.
What kind of ideas are eligible?
Eligible ideas may address products, services, business models, digital solutions, production processes, education or other approaches that promote sustainability within the industry.
What happens to my submitted idea?
Applications are treated confidentially and used exclusively for evaluating competition entries. Intellectual property rights remain with participants at all times.
Will I receive feedback?
Individual feedback cannot be guaranteed due to the expected number of submissions. Shortlisted participants may receive jury comments during the Online Showcase Event.
How will my personal data be processed?
Personal data will be processed solely for competition administration and in accordance with applicable data protection regulations, including GDPR.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please contact info@coredu.de.