[Call for Participants] 'The 2nd Digital Apparel Design Contest' Opens for Applications on May 21, 2026

Applications Open for the Digital Apparel Design Contest

The Digital Apparel Design Contest Secretariat has officially opened applications for the '2nd Digital Apparel Design Contest' (hackathon format), where participants from the apparel, 3D/gaming, and VR fields will form teams to take on the challenge of creating virtual outfits. Applications started on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

Background and Objectives

Currently, in the worlds of VR and gaming, 'digital apparel' worn by 3D characters has exploded in evolution as a core tool for self-expression and daily flair. Outfits are no longer just data; they have become a 'culture' that enriches virtual life.

This event is a team-based hackathon that transcends the boundaries of the apparel, gaming, and VR industries to maximize the potential of digital apparel. How can we smoothly and precisely elevate apparel designs into 3D data? The goal is to fuse the wisdom of each industry to establish practical workflows for creating character outfits that are both more beautiful and more efficient.

Event Overview

- **Event Period**: Mid-July to September 26 (Sat), 2026 - **Venue**: TSUNAGU BASE (KDDI Takanawa Head Office Building) - **Prize Money**: 300,000 JPY for the Best Award (one team) - **Participation Fee**: 2,000 JPY (Free for students) - **Application Period**: May 21 (Thu) to June 25 (Thu), 2026 - **Capacity**: Maximum of 100 participants

Schedule

- **Mid-July**: Team formation guidance and Discord invitations - **August 22 (Sat)**: Day 1 Meetup and Seminar - **September 26 (Sat)**: Day 2 Results Presentation and Networking Party

Contest Rules and Deliverables

Core rules require the inclusion of a 'clothing simulation' process and creating outfits that fit a given avatar challenge. The deliverables to be evaluated are:

1. A video work showcasing the produced digital apparel recorded in VRChat. 2. A presentation (pitch) regarding the creative ingenuity involved in the hand-over of 3D data between team members.

Improving the quality of the 'clothing simulation' is the key to production in this event. Professionals, amateurs, students, and hobbyists alike are invited to collaborate to pursue structural and material reality. Licenses for CLO will be provided as a tool for participants.