WEAR Sustain is organising two Europe-wide competitions in April 2017 and October 2017, to develop what could or should be considered Next Generation Wearables and smart textiles that are critical-ethical-aesthetic.

The program is seeking applications from teams in art or design to work with technology or engineering entrepreneurs to co-innovate. We aim to support strong, well developed ideas and take prototypes to the next level.

A total fund of €2.4m will be made available over two years, to fund 48 teams. Partners will receive support via innovation vouchers and input from mentors, experts and hubs to help realise their ideas, and help towards taking prototypes to market.

Progress made will be monitored and observations gathered to contribute to a Sustainability Strategy, to guide future ethical and sustainable or circular design and development methodologies.