European audiences will be no stranger to the brand Marimekko. Known for their bold patterns and simple cuts, the Helsinki-based textiles company has pioneered trends in both women’s garments and home furnishings. Now, Marimekko is trying their hands at integrating digital technology with their open design competition. Marimekko is seeking designers who can leverage the power of VR and AR to challenge the textile industry and help mark the centenary of Finland’s independence. Read more about the design competition below.

Marimekko, Slush and Junction look for bold patterns in the centenary of Finland’s independence – the international Marimekko Designathon invites creators to challenge the traditional conventions of the textile industry with help of VR and AR technologies.

Marimekko’s theme during the 100th anniversary of Finland’s independence is bold patterns and doing things together open-mindedly. In collaboration with Slush, Europe’s leading event for technology and start-ups, and Junction, the largest hackathon in Europe, we encourage participation in and create opportunities for innovation: we invite 50 younger generation creators to take part in the Marimekko Designathon competition that aims to challenge the traditional conventions of the textile and clothing industry.

The international hackathon event combines design and technology in order to come up with new innovative solutions with the help of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies. The Marimekko Designathon will be held at Marimekko’s headquarters in Helsinki over a weekend from 15 to 17 September, in conjunction with the Helsinki Design Week.

On Sunday 17 September, a jury composed of international experts and the organizers of the competition will select the top 3–5 ideas from approximately 10 entries. The winners will have the opportunity to present their ideas to an audience of investors and startups at Slush 2017, 30 November – 1 December.

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Learn more about the Marimekko design competition here.