ReThink Textile Hackathon - Bring back sustainable textile!
Clothing is a fundamental human need. Textiles form a vast industry, producing over 100 million tons of fibres annually, with continuous growth. Despite its importance, the textile industry is one of the largest emitters and polluters globally. It heavily depends on non-renewable resources like fossil oil. Moreover, textile production is dispersed globally, with different stages of the process occurring in various locations.
This needs to change. We need to replace polyester and other plastic fibres with biobased materials and to localise the production chain. In the Netherlands local conditions are favourable for growing flax, hemp, and wool. The country has a history in textile production, and efforts are ongoing to revive parts of the chain. However, previous textile infrastructure is gone, and new initiatives struggle due to limited demand for local products and price competition. Can you come up with a brilliant business idea for producing sustainable biobased textiles in the Netherlands?
ReThink Textile Hackathon
During the two weeks of the Hackathon, you will experience what it is like to participate in a student competition without committing to a full-year program. In an interdisciplinary team of 3-6 students, you will work out a practical solution to a real-life problem of fast fashion. In the process, you will be supported by experts from industry and academia.
The Challenge
In this Hackathon, you will explore the options for setting up a new business to produce sustainable biobased textiles in the Netherlands. The entire value chain (from biomass production to yarn to fabric to garment to consumer) should be located within Europe, preferably in the Netherlands. You will develop a business plan for a company producing and selling a new textile product, as well as a marketing plan for its market introduction. Optionally, you can also work on the design of the product.
What is in it for me?
- Learn how to create a business plan and a marketing plan
- Increase your knowledge about sustainable textile production
- Expand your network and collaborate in an interdisciplinary team
- Find out what it is like to participate in a student competition
- Win 500 EUR for your solution!
How to join?
Register individually or as a group before 4 November 2024. If you do not have a team, we will assign you to one during the event. Questions? Send an email. Interested but not sure yet if you will join? Join the info session on 15 October, 12.30-13.30 in Exploration Space in Plus Ultra II.
In collaboration with:
Also supported by:
