The South Australian National Innovation Games will launch today, bringing together experts to develop solutions for a circular fashion economy in Australia.
Through a series of professionally facilitated design sprints, 20 innovation teams including more than 150 diverse participants from across the complete fashion and textile ecosystem will collaborate over 25 and 26 May, 2022.
Together, they will develop practical, scalable and easily implementable ideas and solutions spanning the product lifecycle, from material selection and design, certification and product sourcing to manufacturing processes, supply chain management, use behaviours and waste or product end of life.
Funded by the Australian Government, the National Innovation Games are delivered by Paddl Co. through the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA).
Today’s Games are co-sponsored with the Australian Government by the South Australian Department for Innovation and Skills, South Australian Department for Environment and Water, Green Industries SA, Flinders University, TAFE SA, Holiday Trading, City of Adelaide, Acler and Imageworks Consulting.
Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Dr Susan Close MP said consumers are increasingly wanting to know exactly where and how their clothing is made and that it’s crucial the local fashion industry responds to this.
“It is absolutely vital that the industry is able to respond to this increased demand for sustainable solutions if they are to remain attractive and profitable.
“That is why it is wonderful to host an event like the National Innovation Games in Adelaide where diverse groups can meet, brainstorm and begin to develop ideas in this space.
“Globally, textile, clothing and footwear production accounts for 8 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, and 20 per cent of water waste.
“We want South Australia to be part of the solution—rather than a contributor—to this global concern.”
The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Adelaide Sandy Verschoor said the National Innovation Games are an opportunity to strengthen and grow South Australia’s fashion industry.
“This is an opportunity for Adelaide’s extraordinary fashion talent to tackle some of the biggest challenges in fashion,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We know that sustainability is particularly important as our fashion and textiles industry continues to grow. This initiative will bring together emerging talent with experienced leaders to drive innovative solutions.
“It will also create connections for mentoring, networking and further training to expand skills here in South Australia.”