Unleash Your Creativity with ELEVATE
Join a global challenge to redefine luxury with our revolutionary, sustainable biomaterial.
Unleash Your Creativity with ELEVATE
Join a global challenge to redefine luxury with our revolutionary, sustainable biomaterial.
about elevate
ELEVATE is our revolutionary next-generation biomaterial that redefines what leather can be.
Crafted through cutting-edge biotechnology, it is made from plant-based grain proteins, replicating the molecular structure of animal leather—offering unmatched durability, premium texture, and a sophisticated aesthetic.
Designed for luxury, performance, and sustainability, ELEVATE is a breakthrough material that enables brands to create high-end products without compromise—delivering the quality, flexibility, and resilience of traditional leather while significantly reducing environmental impact.This is not an alternative.
This is the future of materials
Innovate designs
Design the Future is an exclusive global competition calling on visionary creatives to push the boundaries of material innovation with ELEVATE.
1
Apply
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Fill out the application form and submit your digital design for pre-selection (PDF format required)
2
Selection
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A panel of leading industry experts will select 10 finalists based on creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship.
3
Material Shipment
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Finalists will receive an ELEVATE Kit Box in Onyx, Cherry, Coffee, and Stone Grey—our exclusive bio-leather shades.
4
Create
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Finalists will have 30 days to bring their design to life using ELEVATE.
5
Final Judging
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Our jury will select one winner who will receive a full-support prize to launch their first collection
What Can You Design?
We’re looking for bold, creative designs that explore the future of sustainable materials.
This challenge focuses on the categories of:
Fashion, Accessories, and Footwear
Material Size:
If selected, you’ll receive up to 10 sq ft (~1 m²) of ELEVATE. This will help define the size and scope of your final product.
How to Apply
To complete your application, you must upload a sketch of the piece you’d like to create. This can be:
- A hand-drawn illustration
- A digital sketch or CAD rendering
- A mood board or visual concept
We’re not judging perfection — we’re looking for vision, creativity, and originality.
Selected finalists will receive the material and have 30 days to build their prototype.
Win amazing prizes and show your talent!
Contest Prize
material
Complimentary access to premium UNCAGED material to help you bring your first collection to life.
MEDIA
Complimentary social media exposure through UNCAGED’s channels and our global network of partners to amplify your winning piece.
MANUFACTURING
Coaching from Melina Bucher, fashion designer and Atelier owner, on finding the right factory partner and best practices for production
MENTORSHIP
TEAM OF EXPERTS
Meet the Jury
Chelsea Franklin
Head of Advanced Concepts at Pangaia
Claire Weiss
Head of Innovation - The Sustainable Angle I Future Fabrics Expo
Melina Bucher
Sustainable fashion designer & design professor
Annick Ireland
Co-Founder at the Immaculate Vegan
John B.
Director at Parsons School of Design
Stephanie Downs
CEO and Co-Founder Uncaged Innovations
Chelsea Franklin
Head of Advanced Concepts at Pangaia
Claire Weiss
Head of Innovation - The Sustainable Angle I Future Fabrics Expo
Melina Bucher
Sustainable fashion designer & design professor
Annick Ireland
Co founder at the Immaculate Vegan
John B.
Director at Parsons School of Design
Stephanie Downs
CEO and Co-Founder Uncaged Innovations
Ready to take on
the challenge?
Push the boundaries of design with sustainable innovation.
Apply now!
This submission will be treated as confidential and will not be shared without your consent.
Faq's
The contest is open to creatives, designers, and innovators from around the world who have proven experience in crafting textile-based products. This can include working with leather, fabrics, or any textile material. Participants must be able to demonstrate their expertise through their portfolio or previous work.
Participants must submit an application through our official form, detailing their design concept and how they plan to use ELEVATE. Additionally, they must commit to completing their piece within 30 days of receiving the material. No prior experience with biomaterials is required, but a strong design background is essential.
One grand winner will receive full support from Uncaged to bring their collection to life with ELEVATE. The top designs will be featured in Uncaged’s global network, gaining exposure in the sustainable fashion and materials industry.
If selected, you will receive a package with ELEVATE to bring your concept to life. Instructions on material handling, technical specifications, and submission guidelines will be provided.
Participants will receive ELEVATE in one of the following available colors: Onyx Black, Coffee Brown, Cherry Red, or Stone Grey. The maximum material size provided per participant will be 1m².
