Meet the experts shaping GCA 2026

This year, the Global Change Award received more than 450 ideas from 81 countries across six continents. Finding early-stage innovation is central to GCA’s mission: backing bold thinkers at the moment their ideas are still taking shape, when philanthropic support can make the biggest difference.

To identify ideas with the strongest potential to contribute to systems change, the Expert Panel draws on expertise from across the textile industry – including science, technology, manufacturing, policy, business, investment, entrepreneurship and fashion leadership.

The Expert Panel includes:

• Anant Ahuja, Director of ESG and Sustainability at Shahi Exports
• Anish Malpani, Founder, Without®
• Ann Runnel, Founder & CEO of Reverse Resources
• Lewis Shuler, VP of Advanced Concepts
• Matthew Drinkwater, Director Fashion Innovation Agency, London College of Fashion
• Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and Executive Director, Lagos Fashion Week
• Pauline Op de Beeck, Climate Portfolio Director, Apparel Impact Institute

A diverse panel strengthens the screening process, ensuring that pioneering innovations are matched with practical, scalable pathways for a decarbonised industry that promotes just transitions.

“I’m excited to help identify early ideas that can become real-world solutions for people and planet, including meaningful emissions reduction, says Lewis Shuler. “I bring a perspective shaped by bridging brand innovation and manufacturing realities. It gives me a systems view of what it takes to move from concept to prototype to production.”

This moment – between recognition and real-world testing – is where the right kind of support can shape an idea’s trajectory.

“Global Change Award’s role in supporting early-stage innovationis vital, says panelist Omoyemi Akerele. “It’s particularly impactful because it goes far beyond financial support. The multi-pronged approach and sustained guidance create an environment where ideas are nurtured and positioned for long-term success.”

Lewis Shuler adds: “Early-stage innovation often struggles to find the right support, too early for many investors and too unproven for many brands. Some teams also need help translating a promising idea into something that fits real supply chains and brand requirements. Global Change Award can be a critical bridge, connecting innovators with the expertise and mentorship that helps ideas mature into solutions that partners can pilot and scale.”

Over the coming weeks, the Expert Panel will review the Top 20 finalists: changemakers from across the globe whose innovations have been shortlisted for their potential to contribute to a decarbonise fashion.

“The industry needs innovation that moves beyond incremental improvement and tackles system-level change, says Matthew Drinkwater. “This includes scalable circular material solutions, smarter use of data and technology to reduce waste, and new business models that decouple growth from resource consumption. We are also reaching a point where generative AI could begin to reshape how we think about materials themselves. The next textile revolution will be engineered in labs and code as much as it is woven on the loom.”

Omoyemi agrees, while emphasising the social perspective: “I am especially looking forward to people-centric solutions. While technology is vital for building climate solutions, we must ensure it does not come at the expense of people. Among the finalists, I’m hoping to find commitment, a strong sense of community, and a genuinely collaborative approach.”

Following this process, the Expert Panel, in collaboration with the H&M Foundation team, will recommend ten winners for Global Change Award 2026. The final decision will be made by the H&M Foundation Board, and the winners will be announced in June.

But first things first – the Top 20 list will be revealed on March 4. Stay tuned as the next generation of changemakers comes into focus.