Operating the Footwear Innovation Accelerator Program

In a fast-paced and evolving industry, we are the go-to hub for footwear innovators and entrepreneurs. Our mission is to ensure that groundbreaking ideas are heard, evaluated, and supported to reach their full potential.

For concepts with the greatest promise to benefit footwear companies and consumers, we provide a comprehensive commercialization pathway through our accelerator program. How Our Program Works:

• Hearing and Vetting Ideas – Through an open campaign, we invite innovators to submit their ideas. Every idea is heard, and those with the most potential or robust development are selected for the program.
• Identifying Needs and Overcoming Roadblocks – We work closely with participants to understand their concepts, identify challenges, and uncover opportunities for successful product or business launches.
• Connecting with Industry Leaders – Participants gain access to our extensive network of industry experts, who offer mentorship, insights, and practical support to address challenges, refine concepts, and prototype innovations.
• Building a Business Model and Pitch – We assist participants in developing a strong business strategy and compelling pitch to position them for success in the marketplace.
• Linking with Key Partners – We facilitate connections with investors, manufacturers, and distributors, enabling participants to bring their innovations to market efficiently.
• The Bottom Line – Our program provides tailored support to help participants accelerate their journey, commercializing faster and achieving greater success.

We’re thrilled to announce that our inaugural Open Innovation Campaign will launch this year, your opportunity to submit your ideas and join the future of footwear innovation. Check back in Spring 2025 for details.

Establishing and Accelerating Critical Projects

We collaborate with companies, inventors, factories, and research groups to run and support technical projects—testing and validating concepts that drive industry-wide innovation. These initiatives are highly targeted, focusing on specific tangible outcomes chosen and guided by footwear companies. Current examples include:

• Regulatory Innovation – Developing new tools and technologies to innovate around upcoming regulations, such as extended producer responsibility (California), new Ecodesign laws (EU), and traceability issues. (Project in progress)
• Carbon Emissions in Footwear Manufacturing – Researching modern emissions caused by footwear manufacturing in Asian factories, including new data to support future research and ideas for reducing carbon output. (Project in final stages)
• Re-Assessing Modern U.S. Footwear Production & Opportunities for Catalyzing Strategic Re-Shoring – Exploring opportunities to expand domestic manufacturing in the U.S., understanding financial models, the labor-to-capital environment, and other factors to help footwear executives evaluate reshoring options. (Project in progress)
• Manufacturing Innovation – Researching and testing how new machines and technology (including AI) can transform manufacturing processes. (Upcoming project)
• Trend/Inventory Innovation – Exploring new software and hardware solutions to finish or restyle footwear (e.g., applying color or patterns) in U.S. and European warehouses to meet real-time market trends. (Upcoming project)

Reach out to us if you are conducting footwear research or development projects and need our support.

Producing Forward-Thinking Papers and Research

• Crafting insightful reports and papers to identify ‘white space’ opportunities — areas of untapped value that remain unrecognized within the industry.
• Offering innovative ideas and strategic insights to foster growth — enabling broad, exploratory thinking to help shape the industry's forward evolution.
• Helping increase critical thought in the footwear industry — helping shape the future of research projects.

Advising Academics and Researchers to Improve R&D Outcomes

We provide exclusive knowledge and insights into footwear — both as a product and as part of the larger system — to support and guide researchers as they explore key issues and challenges. We can help you access key insights, data sets, and a deeper understanding of how the industry operates. Additionally, we offer guidance on what R&D projects the industry is seeking.

Reach out to us if you are conducting footwear research or development projects and need our support.