“Promising early-stage innovators who are working to accelerate the transformation of the fashion and textile industry with planet positive solutions” are being sought after by eco-focused NGO Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) in collaboration with PDS Ventures.

The goal of the new initiative, called the Trailblazer Programme, is to find a single winning firm that can scale its innovation with the help of commercial and operational support, as well as an equity investment of up to $200,000.

The overarching goal of GFA and PDS Ventures, the investment and innovation arm of PDS Limited, is to hasten the fashion industry’s shift to a net positive.

As part of their new project, they aim to find the “most promising early-stage innovators” in the fashion industry and help them reach their full potential.

To participate in the program, the two partners are soliciting applications from solution providers that can handle various issues that arise across the fashion value chain. The deadline for submissions is the month’s end.

A jury consisting of individuals from GFA, PDS, MIT, Ralph Lauren, Fashion For Good, and H&M Group will evaluate and select the finalists.

The eight innovations that made the cut will become part of the Trailblazers program, where they will learn from professionals in the field and PDS representatives how to pitch their ideas for investment.

Late May, at GFA’s Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen 2024, they will be unveiled. At the Summit, they will have the opportunity to present their enterprises and network with other influential people in the industry, as well as possible investors.

The subject of the next Summit, ‘Unlocking The Next Level,’ aligns with the Programme.

To change the present fashion system into one that helps people and the earth, innovation is essential, according to GFA CEO Federica Marchionni. However, innovation and investment are complementary if we want to make a large-scale impact. The fashion ecosystem must prioritize investments in early-stage innovations if we are to see them through to fruition and ensure their longevity in the face of immense economic pressures.