Innovation Challenge 2025

Join our competition!

Help us boost the green transition of Mirka. We’re looking for creative and impactful solutions that accelerate the shift towards sustainable practices in surface finishing.

Share your idea!

Do you have an innovative idea that could boost the green transition of Mirka? Proposals should focus on any of these areas: boosting circularity, extending the life of products and creating sustainable material solutions, helping us to transform our operations to be more sustainable.

Who can participate?

Innovators, change-makers, early-stage startups, researchers, students, Mirka employees and stakeholders.

Ready to change the game?

Challenge Instructions

Apply HERE

What are we looking for?

  • Circularity at Mirka includes reuse and recycling of abrasives and tools, as well as circular logistics and waste stream optimization. The Cigma plant is an example of this. To support this, we are exploring new systems and technologies that can boost circularity, such as smart logistic solutions, AI for environmental impact tracking etc.

  • Product life cycles can be extended through repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing. To support the extension of product life cycles, new scalable business models, tools and systems are needed. This applies not only to Mirka’s own products, but also to how our products can contribute to extending the life of other products. See Remint as an example.

  • Sustainable materials involves materials made from non-fossil-based sources, such as biobased fibres, resins, and fillers or byproducts from Mirka´s own or other waste streams. We are seeking materials that are not only sustainable but also recyclable, reusable or safely disposed at the end of their lifetime. Dust to Value is one example of a project looking into this.

What’s in it for me?

  • By collaborating with M.INC, the Shape Ecosystem and Mirka stakeholders, you can build valuable connections and partnerships that create opportunities for future growth.

  • You will receive valuable feedback from mentors and experts in the field who will help you refine your idea and business model.

  • Winners receive 10,000 EUR and the first runner-up 5,000 EUR. All finalists might get the opportunity to join the M.INC program, gaining support to further develop the idea into a viable business.

Who are we?

Mirka Ltd is a global leader in surface finishing technology, with over 80 years of experience in its field. Mirka’s product range includes abrasives, superabrasives, sanders, dust extractors and a wide array of accessories, including backing pads, and polishing compounds. These products are used in several industries, including collision repair, wood, construction, renovation, interior finishing and marine surface finishing.

At Mirka, we have a passion for innovation and a mission to give people the opportunity to perform better. In a world facing the urgent challenges of climate change, this calls for smarter, more sustainable practices.

Together with our partners in the SHAPE Ecosystem and through our business incubator, M.INC, we foster co-innovation and knowledge sharing to unlock new solutions and scalable, sustainable business models, that help shape the green transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Innovators, change-makers, early-stage startups, researchers, students, Mirka employees and stakeholders.

  • Find out what to submit for each round of the challenge here: instructions.

  • Please complete and submit the application here. Note that we do not accept applications via email. All information must be submitted through the form.

  • We understand that your idea is valuable. That's why we take protecting your innovation very seriously. Before you present anything publicly in the competition, our team will help you review what should be kept confidential and what can be shared openly. In some cases a NDA might be considered/required.

  • The winner will be awarded €10,000 and the second prize is €5,000. The finalists might also get an opportunity to further develop the idea in the Mirka incubator, M.INC®.

  • Participation in the innovation challenge is free of charge. However, please note that M.INC does not cover any expenses that may occur during participation.

  • If you have any questions, please contact us at m.inc@mirka.com