The LAUNCH System Challenge 2013
LAUNCH is a global initiative to identify and support the innovative work poised to contribute to a sustainable future and accelerate solutions to meet urgent challenges facing our society. NASA, NIKE, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) joined together to form LAUNCH in early 2010. LAUNCH is partly an entrepreneurship competition, partly a social development effort, and partly an approach to doing business. The initiative has won numerous awards and investment capital for taking products to scale in meaningful markets.
Revolutionizing the treatment and production of fabrics and textiles on a large scale has the potential to significantly reduce harmful environmental and social impacts. For this reason, fabrics are the focus of this year’s LAUNCH challenge. With the LAUNCH System Challenge 2013, the team seeks groundbreaking ideas in two distinct areas: the materials from which fabrics are made, and the manufacturing of fabrics. Strong candidates will demonstrate a focus on positive social and environmental impact with a bias toward inclusive business models that develop human capital.
Preferred are innovations with potential to scale in two years, as well as game-changing early stage technologies and prototypes. Innovations can be business models, financial instruments, technologies and programs that accelerate research, education and capacity building. Learn more at LAUNCH 2013.
How it works
LAUNCH recently announced the 2013 Challenge Statement, which focuses on the future of sustainable materials and low-impact making. Over the last weeks more than 150 innovators from around the world have registered on the LAUNCH submission platform, presenting a number of ideas that answer the Materials Challenge. The LAUNCH Challenge is open to individuals and teams until July 15. In August, the most promising innovations will be selected and participants will take part in an immersive program aimed at delivering the resources and support needed to bring their innovation to scale.
