In a bid to accelerate the transition to a net positive fashion industry, Global Fashion Agenda (GFA), a non-profit organization, has teamed up with PDS ventures, the innovation and investment arm of PDS Limited, to unveil the Trailblazer Programme. This initiative aims to identify and nurture early-stage innovators in the fashion sector and propel them towards scalable success.
Investment and support
Central to the Trailblazer Program is the provision of significant financial backing, with PDS Ventures offering a substantial investment of up to $ 200,000 to one standout innovator. This injection of capital is designed to fuel the growth and positive impact of the selected company within the fashion industry. Additionally, the winning innovator will receive invaluable commercial and operational assistance from PDS Group’s Positive Materials, a textile company dedicated to fostering low-impact textile innovation through strategic collaborations with startups, supply chain partners, and brands. Moreover, access to PDS Limited’s expansive global supply chain promises further avenues for growth and scalability.
Open call for innovators
GFA and PDS ventures have issued an open call inviting solution providers tackling diverse challenges across the fashion value chain to participate in the program. An esteemed jury, featuring representatives from GFA, PDS ventures, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Ralph Lauren Corporation, Fashion For Good, and H&M Group, will evaluate and shortlist applicants. From this pool, eight promising innovations will be selected as Trailblazers, gaining access to expert feedback and investment pitch training from industry stalwarts and PDS representatives.
Pitching for investment
Following comprehensive preparation, each shortlisted innovator will pitch their solution for potential investment. The ultimate Trailblazer will be unveiled at GFA’s Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2024, a premier international forum for sustainability in fashion. Set to take place on May 22-23 at the Copenhagen Concert Hall, the summit offers a platform for Trailblazers to showcase their businesses and forge vital connections with key industry stakeholders and potential investors.
Aligning with the Summit theme
The Trailblazer Program aligns seamlessly with the theme of the upcoming Global Fashion Summit: ‘Unlocking The Next Level.’ As 2024 marks 15 years since the inaugural summit in 2009, this milestone presents a unique opportunity to reflect on the evolution of the fashion sector and the strides made in sustainability. More crucially, it serves as a call to action, urging stakeholders to identify and address pressing gaps to expedite industry transformation.
Voices of endorsement
Federica Marchionni, CEO of Global Fashion Agenda, emphasizes the critical role of innovation and investment in reshaping the fashion landscape. She stresses the importance of supporting early-stage solutions to drive lasting impact, particularly amid economic challenges. Pallak Seth, Founder and Executive Vice Chairman of PDS Limited, echoes this sentiment, underscoring the urgency of backing climate-first innovators with not only financial resources but also mentorship and guidance.
The collaboration between GFA and PDS ventures through the Trailblazer Program represents a significant stride towards fostering innovation and sustainability within the fashion industry. By providing crucial support and investment to budding entrepreneurs, the initiative aims to catalyze positive change and propel the sector towards a more sustainable future.
