The Divert NS Textile Innovation Pitch Challenge

Nova Scotia students: Pitch your textile waste solution and compete for $1,000 plus a paid internship opportunity!

The Problem

Textile waste in Nova Scotia is rising sharply, driven by population growth, increased consumption, and the dominance of fast fashion. Between 2017 and 2023, the volume of residential and industrial textile waste disposed of in Nova Scotia landfills increased by 111%, reaching a peak of 58,561 tonnes in 2023.  A recent research report examining the current state of textile waste management in Nova Scotia identified localized opportunities for reuse, recycling, and policy innovation, the next step is to turn ideas into action. 

Join the Divert NS Textile Innovation Pitch Challenge and showcase your bold solutions for textile waste reduction.

Eligibility

  • Open to undergraduate and graduate from all disciplines, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Open to applicants from all Nova Scotian universities or colleges.
  • Students may apply individually or in teams (maximum 2 members per team).
  • Open to local and international students attending university or college in Nova Scotia.

How It Works

Step One

Submit concept summary document outlining your textile waste solution by February 16th. Check out the submission guidelines to see what you should include in your summary document.

Step Two

Your summary document will be evaluated by a panel of judges. The top scoring ideas will move on to the live pitch competition. You will be notified if you’ve been selected for the live pitch by March 6th. 

Step Three

Attend a mandatory pitch competition training session on March 9th with at the Arthur L. Irving Centre for Entrepreneurship at Saint Mary’s University.

Step Four

Live Pitch Event! Finalists will deliver a 2-minute pitch live at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre on March 25th.

Apply Now

Once your application is ready, submit it to funding@divertns.ca with the subject line: "Textile Innovation Pitch Challenge”.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three finalists:

  • 1st place will receive $1,000 and a 5 to 10-week paid internship at Divert NS
  • 2nd place will receive $500
  • 3rd third place will receive $300.