External Contests

FIT shares contests and projects that are open to the general public or to the general collegiate population only as a convenience and for informational purposes. FIT does not sponsor, organize, or endorse these contests or projects in any way, and FIT is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, content, or terms of any such contest or project. FIT encourages interested persons to carefully review the terms and conditions of any contest or project before participating and to contact the contest or project sponsor for questions or concerns.

AFI Global Idea Challenge

Details: The AFI Global Idea Challenge seeks groundbreaking ideas that significantly reduce or replace animal testing in scientific research and product development. This competition is open to early-stage innovators and thinkers who aim to push the boundaries of ethical and technological advancements in biosciences, pharmaceuticals, and consumer safety testing.

Submission Deadline: April 30, 2025

Winners Selected: May 2025

Competition Guidelines: AThe future starts with an idea. AFI Global Idea Challenge is a call to visionaries, disruptors and changemakers to redefine the future of science and ethics. Every year, over 100M animals are used for animal testing. And we believe science can help reduce that number down. The world is ready for a breakthrough. AFI is searching for ideas that can radically reduce the need for animal testing. “A researcher with a bold vision?” “Will AI disrupt biotech as we know it?” “Want to change global perceptions on animal testing?” Submit your idea now!

Enter the AFI Global Idea Challenge

About Animal-free Technologies: Animal-free Technologies (AFI) AFI operates from hubs in the US and Korea, collaborating with partners across the globe. The team includes creators, designers, entrepreneurs, and scientists from diverse fields such as biotechnology, media, nonprofits, and startups. AFI works with companies and organizations dedicated to developing alternatives to animal testing and reducing the use of laboratory animals.

MIAMI Vibes 2.0: AI Footw ear Design Challenge

Details: The MIAMI Vibes: AI Footwear Design Challenge is a pioneering competition combining technology, creativity, fashion, and heritage to redefine footwear innovation. Organized by the MIAMI Shoe Museum, this challenge invites designers worldwide to explore AI’s transformative potential in shoe design.

Submission Deadline: June 5 , 2025

Winners Selected: November 2025

Competition Guidelines: Applicants must be 18 years or older to participate. A non-refundable submission fee of US$ 55 + tax per design proposal is required at checkout. Applications submitted without payment of the fee will not be considered. Participants may apply individually or as part of a team, with a maximum of 3 designers per team. Each team or individual may submit one design per application. Participants must present: Concept Proposal: A detailed concept note explaining the design philosophy, how AI is incorporated into the creative process, and any specific challenges addressed through AI. The designer must present the design proposal in a short video (2 min MAX). If the video is in a language other than English, subtitles must be provided. Digital Renderings/Prototypes: Participants should submit digital renderings 2D or 3D, which may include AI-generated elements, and they should include at least four of the six important views of the design (Please ensure that files are optimized for easy viewing and can be opened directly without requiring a download due to large file size): Top View (Plan View), Side View (Lateral and Medial), Front View, Rear View (Heel View), Bottom View (Outsole View), 3/4 View (Isometric View).

Enter the MIAMI Vibes 2.0: AI Footwear Design Challenge

About MIAMI Shoe Museum Research Center: MIAMI Shoe Museum Research Center provides a unique opportunity to connect with a global community passionate about art, design, and footwear, keeping you at the forefront of this dynamic industry. The shoe vault, housed within the MSM Research Center, is an exclusive exhibition space showcasing a curated collection of iconic footwear. It celebrates the artistry and history of shoe design.

Only Natural Design Competitions

Details: Only Natural challenges you to create an innovative and beautiful design in one of the three categories – accessories, clothing, footwear – made from only natural materials. Show the judges and spectators that there is another way – a way without unnecessary waste and with the planet’s future in mind

Submission Deadline: June 30 , 2025

Winners Selected: July 2025

Competition Guidelines: Only Natural encourages entrants to take material inspiration from nature, to ignite a passion for the future of our planet and share your passion with new audiences by crafting a unique design using natural fibres and materials. Your design MUST include one or more natural fibre – from wool to hemp or cotton to leather, the choice is yours, so long as it’s natural. We accept the use of nature derived products such as glass or metals, where the end result can be recycled and reused. Your design must NOT include fur or exotic skins such as alligator, python or ostrich and should NOT use synthetic materials such as polyester or lycra. Your design CAN include a minimal use of non-natural materials to join natural materials together (e.g. glue, metal screws) or to enhance item’s functionality and durability (e.g. lightbulbs etc.) but we encourage you to swap these for natural alternatives where possible. Other design essentials: Ethical sourcing: the use of animal fibres is allowed when sourced from animals not raised or killed for skin or fur. Use of animal by-products, for example cow hides, that would otherwise go to landfill is supported; Sustainability: chosen materials should be sustainably sourced and processed. The resulting product should be designed to minimise production waste and support recycling or reuse; Commercial viability: your design should align with genuine consumer needs and be suitable for large-scale production and distribution. The entry should include the following elements: A brief summary of your project provided in English. Inclusion of high-res imagery or sketches of your project (JPEG or PNG files) advised; Design documentation: a comprehensive document detailing the product’s design process, from inspiration boards to technical specifications; Material breakdown: a detailed explanation of the fibres and materials used, their sourcing and the rationale behind their selection; A short two-minute video (using a mobile device is accepted) to introduce you and your design. This is optional but encouraged. Please note: A physical design prototype will be needed if you are shortlisted for your competition category.

Enter the Only Natural Design Competitions

About ARTS THREAD: ARTS THREAD is the world’s only creative student and graduate website. It bridges the gap between education and the creative industry. For the first time ever, design students, graduates, universities, schools and the creative industry can network worldwide.

The Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition

Details: Are you concerned about fast throwaway fashion and unsustainable materials? According to Greenpeace, synthetics – made using petrochemicals from the oil industry – now make up 60% of our clothing. These clothes not only take hundreds of years to biodegrade but are often cheap and poorly made. The result — nearly one billion items of clothing, each typically worn just five times — are thrown away every year. It’s time to challenge the fast fashion business model and all those who say no to nature by designing beautiful, durable clothes from natural fibres that people will want to wear longer, and that will last longer.

Submission Deadline: June 30 , 2025

Winners Selected: July 2025

Competition Guidelines: To stimulate thought about our planet’s future and to combat this waste, our judges are challenging you to create an original, innovative, and visually stunning design in one of three categories -apparel, accessories and footwear – made from real cattle leather. They also want to see how entrants approach the creation of garments that will last and be loved for a lifetime. You are asked to use leather as the inspiration for a single item , either clothing, shoes, or accessories . Entries must be at least 50% cattle hide leather and any other materials used must be natural or organic materials where possible. We do not accept the use of fur or exotic skins. Plastics must only be used where no natural alternatives are available. We would like your piece to capture one or more of the facets of leather, from beauty and versatility to strength and durability. Entries should include all these elements - 1. A brief summary of your project provided in English. 2. Storyboards and design inspiration. 3. Sketches, flats, technical specifications, and final design (the item does not need to be physically made at this stage). 4. A short two-minute video to introduce you and your design. This is optional but encouraged, as it would make a great addition to your entry. Please give consideration to ease of recycling, reuse and disposal at the end of the product’s life, and also think about the practicalities of commercial production, as we are looking for designers who will start new brands, fashion movements or style trends.

Enter the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition

2025 Taiwan Fashion Design Award

Details: Organized by Taiwan’s Industrial Development Administration (IDA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and executed by Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF), Taiwan Fashion Design Award (TFDA) is an important platform for the fashion industry to discover talents and promote exchanges. It has provided a great platform for talented and creative young designers to showcase their skills and supported by the industry for 38 years. Beyond that, participants can also engage in a rich exchange of ideas, challenge their boundaries, and stimulate more creative sparks.

Submission Deadline: June 30 , 2025

Winners Selected: October 2025

Competition Guidelines: Self-selected design them for menswear, womenswear or for both. However, rating will focus on CREATIVITY, SUSTAINABILITY, FUNCTION and PERFORMANCE to encourage contestants to pay more attention on global environmental issues, promote sustainable fashion, and observe social trends in depth. Contestants can present innovative ideas connected to the above topics in different aspects of inspiration, design, fabric, material, pattern-making, printing and details, etc.

Enter the 2025 Taiwan Fashion Design Award

About Taiwan Textile Federation: In 1975, the European Economic Community (EEC) decided to impose import quotas on the major textile suppliers to Europe to protect its textile industry. Since Taiwan did not have diplomatic relations with any of the EEC member countries, the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) under the guidance of the government was established to maintain the interests of Taiwan's textile industry in the European market and represent the government to negotiate with the EEC on November 25th, 1975. After its establishment, the TTF gradually expanded the scope of its services, in line with the development of the Taiwan textile industry. Today, its services include market development, organization of trade shows, textile product design and development, fashion trend analysis and forecasting, e-commerce promotion, design and fabrication of apparel samples, training in apparel pattern making, collection and analysis of market information, the certification system of “Taiwan Functional Textiles”, publications of textile information, issuing Certificates of Origin.

Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2025

Details: The Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2025 is your chance to share your creative work alongside your peers from around the world and get it judged by industry leaders. Last year's Global Design Graduate Show was a huge success with 5823 entries representing 117 countries from 472 higher education institutions. It is your chance to curate your creative personality by mixing research with 2D/3D development documenting all the different creative and technical development stages up to the final outcome. It would be good to know your personal creative journey, whether by photo or film.

Submission Deadline: August 31 , 2025

Winners Selected: October 2025

Competition Guidelines: Open to all undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate art and design disciplines for those that have graduated between September 2024 - August 2025 (Southern Hemisphere graduating after September 2024). Awards will be given in a variety of categories - FASHION / ACCESSORIES / TEXTILES / DIGITAL / VISUAL COMM / FILM, PRODUCT / ARCHITECTURE / INTERIORS, FINE ART / PHOTOGRAPHY / CRAFT / JEWELLERY. Please note there are many specialisms within ARTSTHREAD you can tag yourself to.

Enter the Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2025