IE University Drives Entrepreneurship and Social Impact at the ELLE Talent Project 2025 Awards

IE University hosted the final of the ELLE Talent Project 2025, a competition that reinforces the academic institution’s commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation and social impact. Organized by ELLE in collaboration with Inditex and IE Business School, the initiative annually recognizes innovative proposals that combine entrepreneurial talent, design and sustainability.

The final, marking the 12th edition of the competition, took place at IE Tower, IE University’s campus in Madrid. The event was held at the Impact Xcelerator of the IE School of Science and Technology, a technology-driven open innovation hub that connects academic research with the business ecosystem to develop impactful projects. The finalists of the ELLE Talent Project 2025, selected from hundreds of submissions, presented their projects to a jury of experts from ELLE, Inditex and IE University, chaired by ELLE’s Editor-in-Chief Benedetta Poletti. “We need new hope, new challenges, new leaders. Committed, passionate and determined individuals who are ready to take on the world. Today, we are here to tell you that you are our hope, that we believe in you and in your vision of the future,” said Poletti.

The jury also included Geoffroy Gérard, Managing Director of the IE Foundation and Vice Dean of the IE School of Science and Technology, and Daniel Soriano, Director of the IE Business School’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “It is an honor to collaborate with ELLE and Inditex in organizing these awards since their inception, to promote entrepreneurial talent and help transform the creative, fashion and social impact industries,” said Geoffroy Gérard.

After reviewing the finalist presentations, the jury awarded the first prize to CAPHAZ, a children’s fashion brand founded by Jessica Sabiote. The brand designs clothing that helps children learn to dress independently, with a special focus on cognitive functional diversity and learning difficulties. The collections incorporate visual and tactile aids, and adaptive materials, based on universal design principles and evidence-based learning psychology. As the competition winner, Jessica Sabiote will receive €25,000 and a scholarship to join either the Master in Management or an Executive Education program at IE Business School. 

 The jury also awarded the second prize to Maison Admire, a sustainable handbag brand led by Maider Mendaza. The bags are crafted from biomaterials and feature biodegradable 3D-printed handles. In recognition of her work, Maider Mendaza will receive a scholarship to attend an Advanced Entrepreneurship Program at IE Business School.

 In addition to CAPHAZ and Maison Admire, the final round of the ELLE Talent Project included:

• Twinfit, developed by Lara González, which offers hyper-realistic digital avatars for online clothing try-ons.
• Kimu Concept, created by Beatriz Heredia and Blanca Rosa del Bosque, a sustainable tailoring and clothing repair service with home pick-up and delivery, rooted in craftsmanship.
• Reshape, a custom fashion project by Elena Rivas that combines generative design with biodegradable materials.

 As part of its academic offering, the IE School of Architecture and Design delivers the Bachelor in Fashion Design, a program that stands out for its focus on sustainability, technology and craftsmanship, shaping future leaders in the fashion industry.