The initiative received a total of 110 applications, from which 11 were selected as its inaugural cohort and officially announced at the event. The selected projects demonstrated strong potential in areas such as supply chain transparency, sustainable value creation and cultural expression.

Among them is PEELSPHERE, a startup based in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, that transforms more than 60 types of non-food agricultural waste — including coffee grounds, fruit peels, wine lees and seaweed — into plant-based fabric.

"The coffee grounds from 18 cups of coffee can produce one square meter of fabric," said Song Youyang, founder and CEO of PEELSPHERE.

She said the fabrics are made by breaking down the effective structural units of agricultural waste to the micro-nano scale, before redesigning and reconstructing them into new materials.

The company has developed three product lines serving footwear, apparel, bags, automotive interiors, and home furnishings. Its products have entered the supply chains of global luxury groups and international automakers.

"An increasing number of consumers care about whether the products' materials are natural, healthy and non-toxic," said Song at a panel discussion, noting that such awareness is crucial for the development of sustainable brands.