Kering Launches Kering Generation Award in India with Reliance Brands
New initiative will identify Indian startups advancing circular innovation and resource protection in the fashion industry
Kering has launched the Kering Generation Award in India in partnership with Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), marking the first time the sustainability-focused initiative has been introduced in the region. The collaboration aims to identify and support Indian startups developing circular solutions that can contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.
At Kering’s headquarters in Paris, Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability & Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering, and Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice-President, Reliance Brands Limited, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the partnership.
Kering Generation Award Expands to India
Inspired by Kering’s sustainability signature, “Crafting Tomorrow’s Luxury,” the Kering Generation Award has been running since 2018 across markets including China, Japan and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The programme focuses on identifying promising startups and technologies that can help reduce the environmental and social impact of fashion across the value chain, from raw material sourcing to product end-of-life.
Focus on Circular Innovation and Resource Protection
For its first Indian edition, the award will specifically seek startups proposing circular initiatives with a direct impact on resource protection.
The programme will collaborate with the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, in partnership with the United Nations in India, which will serve as the exclusive nominating partner.
Through the initiative, Kering and Reliance Brands aim to promote sustainable practices while supporting innovative fashion solutions capable of contributing to a more responsible industry.
Award Ceremony to Take Place in Delhi
The Kering Generation Award India ceremony will be held at the Embassy of France in Delhi on October 13, 2026, during Fashion Week.
The event will also contribute to the Franco-Indian Year of Innovation, highlighting collaboration between the two countries around entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable development.
Kering Highlights India’s Innovation Potential
Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer, said:
“Expanding the Kering Generation Award to India is a natural and strategic next step in our mission to support visionary impact startups that are shaping the future of luxury,” said Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering’s Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer. “India is not only a massive and rapidly growing market for the luxury sector, but also a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. We are convinced that empowering the region’s most promising entrepreneurs at the intersection of fashion, beauty and innovation will accelerate the breakthrough circular solutions needed to transform our industry.”
Jaspreet Chandok, Group VP, Reliance Brands Limited, said:
"The future of luxury will be shaped not only by creativity, but by the ability to innovate responsibly. India is home to exceptional talent reimagining materials, technology and circular business models, and this partnership with Kering provides an important global stage for those innovators. We are proud to bring together Reliance Brands' experience in building fashion ecosystems with Kering's leadership in sustainability to champion solutions that can influence the future of the industry. Building on R|ElanTM Circular Design Challenge, this collaboration further strengthens our commitment to nurturing innovation that is both commercially viable and environmentally responsible,” said Jaspreet Chandok, Group VP Reliance Brands Limited.