London-based fashion business hub, Fashion District, has unveiled the relaunch of its Innovation Challenge/Awards: ‘Manufacturing Futures Start-up Competition’. Initially introduced in 2021, Manufacturing Futures recognises fashion and technology start-ups that have developed tech solutions to tackle fashion and apparel industry’s challenges.
This year, start-ups and SMEs will once again vie for a £15,000 cash prize to enhance their business models and the chance to present to brands and retailers on the judging panel for potential collaborations. Noteworthy members of the judging panel for this second edition include Alexander McQueen’s sustainability director Gillian Lipton, Selfridges’ head of sustainability and innovation Ella Gould, Pangaia’s head of advanced concept design Chelsea Franklin, London College of Fashion UAL’s head of fashion innovation Matthew Drinkwater, and UKFT CEO Adam Mansell.
Participants must be registered businesses, offering a technological solution focused on sustainability, either based in the UK or with plans to operate in the UK. The competition welcomes applicants passionate about technological and sustainable innovations such as materials innovation, digital advancements, manufacturing processes, supply chain optimisation, traceability, circular economy practices, and end-of-use solutions.
The inaugural edition of Manufacturing Futures in 2021 crowned sustainable fashion start-up Biophilica as the winner.
