Who Can Apply?
The advancement of technologically developed countries is driven by the implementation of essential technologies through innovation, which depends on the capabilities of entrepreneurs and their willingness to take risks. Entrepreneurship plays an active role in the development of these technologies and promotes economic growth by fostering innovative processes. Public institutions, industrial companies, R&D centres and universities all have significant responsibilities in supporting and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.
Türkiye has also recognised the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship and continues to make substantial investments in these areas through its institutions. Supporting the innovative ideas, products and services of entrepreneurs is essential to narrowing the gap with technologically advanced countries.
Within this framework, the 8th TechXtile Challenge Design Competition aims to encourage the participation of individuals who develop ideas and products in the technological fields and focus areas in which companies operating in the textile industry conduct research, invest in R&D and innovation, and seek opportunities for collaboration. The competition also aims to enable participants to benefit from seminars and mentoring opportunities and further develop their knowledge and capabilities.
Citizens of the Republic of Türkiye who are at least 18 years of age may participate in the 8th TechXtile Challenge Design Competition either individually or as part of a team. Eligible applicants include students, graduates, researchers, academics, employees of public or private institutions, aspiring entrepreneurs, innovation teams, and start-up owners or founders.
Competition Application Requirements
The competition is open to industry professionals, academics, R&D personnel, technology park employees, designers, entrepreneurs, freelancers and students with an interest in the sector. Anyone who is at least 18 years of age may participate individually or as part of a team. For team applications, one member must be designated as the team leader.
Projects submitted to the competition must be innovative for the textile sector at the national or regional level. If a project is found not to be original or innovative despite being presented as such, or if any third party claims rights over the design, full responsibility shall rest with the contestant.
There is no limit on the number of projects that may be submitted to the competition. A contestant may participate with more than one project for the textile sector, provided that each project is different. However, within the same category and competition year, a contestant may receive an award for only one project as the project coordinator.
For team applications, one member must be designated as the team leader or project coordinator responsible for managing relations with UTİB. Each team member shall be jointly and severally liable to UTİB. If the person or persons submitting the application on behalf of the team have not attended an educational institution, a graduation diploma or student certificate shall not be required. However, they must submit a written declaration confirming this status.
Pursuant to the instructions of the Türkiye Exporters Assembly dated 19 December 2024 and numbered 137-3141, a contestant who has received only a monetary award from any design competition organised by an Exporters' Association shall not be eligible to participate in any other design competition held within the same year.