<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-09-03T10:35:59Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/1FA62A6C-9445-4F42-8A00-0F832E17CB23" ns1:id="1FA62A6C-9445-4F42-8A00-0F832E17CB23"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/27CAEF95-5222-4175-9538-BCD812663C3E" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/66B09D42-012F-4AA4-B0B2-FCC8143E79C7" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/0C1B8418-EEAC-4F32-B1B2-C28406330723" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/66B09D42-012F-4AA4-B0B2-FCC8143E79C7" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2025-02-28T00:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/FA3BA5BD-269B-4ED3-A611-5CBCE02C6721" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2024-05-31T23:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10110191</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>Clothing upgrade service</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Collaborative R&amp;D</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>Our innovation is a digital sewing school designed to make fashion-forward sewing, upcycling and repair skills accessible to Gen Z and millennials. This platform offers up-to-date tutorials and projects that reflect the latest styles, coupled with sustainable practices. Leveraging AI technologies, our platform will provide personalised learning experiences and real-time feedback. This innovation is crucial as it addresses the environmental impact of fast fashion, the accessibility of skill development, and the growing demand for sustainability in the fashion industry. The vision is to create a scalable, global platform that revolutionises how people learn and engage in sustainable fashion.

The fashion industry significantly contributes to the climate crisis and is responsible for up to 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions (UNEP). Production has doubled over the past 15 years, while clothing longevity has decreased by 40% (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). This issue is compounded by young people's lack of sewing skills, leading them to rely on fast fashion. The cost of living crisis makes clothing increasingly expensive, yet Gen Z and millennials are eager to learn new skills and engage in experiential hobbies. A key objective is to upskill these individuals, while diverting garments from landfill through repair and upcycling.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>