TexBuild Challenge - Innovation competition

The competition seeks creative, feasible, and sustainable solutions that give discarded textiles a new life in construction applications. We especially invite students and professionals from the textile and construction sectors to join, but participants from other fields are also warmly welcome! The competition is part of the ReTexCon – Recycled Textiles in Construction project. 

What’s the task? 
Design - either individually or as a team - an innovative product, component, or solution that utilizes discarded textiles for the construction industry. Your concept could involve insulation, acoustic solutions, composite structures, or entirely new applications where textiles have never been used before. A conceptual-level plan is sufficient - the most important thing is a transformative idea with real potential. 

Why participate? 

• Contribute directly to advancing the circular economy
• Receive expert mentoring and visibility for your idea
• Network with industry professionals
• Gain opportunity for further development and commercialization 

Evaluation Criteria 
A jury of experts from the textile and construction sectors will evaluate entries based on four main criteria: 

• Innovation and novelty
• Commercial and environmental potential
• Suitability for the construction industry
• Durability and lifecycle 

Competition Timeline 

• Registration ends at 11.12.2025  
• 11.12.2025 at 14-15 Kick-off event (online)
• 15.1.2026 at 14-15 Mentoring session for interested participants (online)
• 3.2.2026 at 9-12 Competition day and winner announcement (Tampere (incl. lunch for participants), hybrid participation possible) 

How to participate? 
Your entry should include a written and visual description of your idea, along with a pitch to the jury. Choose a discarded textile material, justify its use, and demonstrate how your idea works in a construction environment. 

Do you have an idea that could revolutionize the construction industry and give textile waste a new value? Now’s the time to show it!