Reliance-backed R|Elan Circular Design Challenge names APAC finalist for 2026 edition

Reliance Industries-backed R|Elan Circular Design Challenge (RCDC) has named BYO by Tommy Tedji as the Asia-Pacific finalist for the eighth edition of the global sustainable fashion competition, following an evaluation by a jury comprising leaders from the fashion, sustainability, investment and design sectors.

The challenge, presented by Reliance Industries' R|Elan brand in partnership with the United Nations in India and Lakmé Fashion Week, aims to identify and support entrepreneurs and designers developing circular solutions for the fashion and textile industry. According to the organisers, the initiative has evolved into an international platform spanning India, Europe, the United Kingdom and the Asia-Pacific region.

The APAC jury included Christina Dean, Founder of Redress; Hong Zheng, Founder of Greenext; Rina Singh, Creative Director of EKA; Jacinta FitzGerald, Chief Executive of Fashion & Textiles New Zealand; and Nicky Mac Callum, Venture Partner at Elaphurus Capital. The panel evaluated projects focused on reducing waste, extending product life cycles and promoting regenerative design practices.

This year's Asia-Pacific semi-finalists showcased a range of approaches to circular fashion, including converting leather waste into modular products, developing biodegradable biomaterials from organic waste, creating bio-based zero-waste garments, extending the life of existing textiles and integrating indigenous craft traditions into regenerative design systems. Following the assessment, the jury selected BYO by Tommy Tedji as the regional finalist.

"We are honoured to be named the Asia Pacific Finalist for the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge. This recognition is a meaningful milestone for our team and reflects the support of the incredible community behind us," said Tommy Tedji, founder of BYO.

Rakesh Bali, senior vice president – PetChem at Reliance Industries, said the quality of innovations presented this year reflected the region's potential to shape the future of circular fashion. He added that Reliance remained committed to supporting platforms that help scale next-generation technologies and sustainable solutions for the global fashion and textile industry.

The challenge will now move to the India jury round before regional finalists compete at the Grand Jury at the United Nations House in New Delhi in October. The finalists will subsequently present their innovations during Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI, where the winner and runner-up of the 2026 edition will be announced.