At ISPO Munich 2022, The Woolmark Company and Salomon announced the winners, as well as the ten most innovative finalist concepts, for the 2022 Woolmark Performance Challenge, a well-known innovation and ideas program for the sports and performance market.
This year’s theme was long-distance mountain running. Students were asked to invent next-generation running gear for long-distance mountain runners, focusing on the use of durable organic fibers and the innovative nature of merino wool. In the end, this included sweat-activated cooling technologies, auxetic mycelium fabrics, bacterial bio batteries, thermo-chromic structures and more to open up new markets for merino wool.
More than 191 universities from 25 countries participated in this year’s program. The ten most promising ideas were selected as finalists before judges declared three final winners: Giulia Ciola (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti), Chloe Jerolaman (University of Cincinnati) and Michael Orlow (University of Oregon).
Michael Orlow won a paid, three-month internship at Salomon. The University of Oregon student developed a 3D-printed waterproofing concept that most impressively met design specifications. His Keradapt Merino is a waterproof fabric made from merino wool using 3D printing technology and utilizing keratin obtained from previous processing. The seamless print of the entire garment is examined for environmental and body stresses using body scans.
Giulia Ciola received €10,000 in prize money for the idea that shows the greatest potential for commercial development. She designed a trail running kit that cares for and maintains the balance of the earth’s natural resources. In the circular economy – derived from the soil and then returned – the materials become clothing and can be composted after use. With an innovative blend of merino wool, milk fibers, Seacell, Crabyon and nettle, Ciola’s innovative concept is aimed at the trail runner of tomorrow who wants to wear performance-oriented clothing that benefits both the human body and the natural environment.
A special award was given to Chloe Jerolaman from the University of Cincinnati, whose design concept impressed Salomon because it shows great potential for commercial use. Jerolaman will receive a three-month paid internship at Salomon for her concept, “Adapting to Athletes,” which is about developing a trail running kit that advocates inclusion and is specifically designed for athletes with disabilities. Accessibility continues to be an issue for the fashion and outdoor industries. Her technical and adaptable running gear aims to break down those barriers.
For the highest number of qualitative submissions, the German university Albstadt-Sigmaringen was honored with a €10,000 prize.
The Woolmark Performance Challenge is an open platform where finalists are mentored by industry specialists as part of the Innovation Accelerator Program to take their concepts to the next level and improve their design.
“The ambition of all the young talents who participated in The Woolmark Performance Challenge has strengthened Salomon’s teams in their conviction that there is an urgent need to find sustainable solutions for global textile production,” said Florian Traullé, head of Salomon R&D footwear.
All ten forward-thinking concepts can be discovered here. Brands interested in developing these ideas or partnering with the Woolmark Performance Challenge are invited to email WPC@wool.com.
