Global Fashion Agenda and PDS Ventures are pleased to launch applications for the Trailblazer Programme 2025. The initiative seeks to identify fashion’s most promising early-stage innovators and support them on their journey to scale.

GFA and PDS Ventures are presenting an open call for solutions across the entire supply chain, addressing at least one of the following priorities:

1. Working With Nature – To prioritise and invest in nature-driven solutions across the entire fashion supply chain.
2. Closed-Loop Pathways – To invest in innovations that foster a circular economy, minimise reliance on finite resources, and ensure waste is reduced, reused, and recycled.
3. Tech-Powered Transformation – To harness technological innovations that enhance visibility, efficiency, and accountability in the fashion supply chain, reducing environmental impact and optimising resources.

A distinguished panel of jurors will review all applications, selecting eight standout innovations to join the prestigious Trailblazer Programme. These Trailblazers will benefit from expert guidance, including investment pitch preparation and tailored feedback from industry specialists and PDS representatives.

The Jury members of the 2025 Programme include Robert van de Kerkhof, CEO & Founder, PEPPER-i2, Yael Gairola, Non-Executive Director, PDS Limited and Senior Advisor, PDS Ventures, Jason Berns, Head of Sustainability, Product & Manufacturing Innovation, Ralph Lauren, Pascal Brun, VP Sustainability and D&I, Zalando, Katrin Ley, Managing Director, Fashion for Good, and Dr. Yuly Fuentes Medel, Program Director for Textiles, Climate Grand Challenges, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Through the Trailblazer Programme, PDS Ventures will award one innovator a significant investment of up to USD 200,000* to accelerate the company’s growth and positive impact in the fashion industry. The winner will also receive commercial and operational support from PDS Group’s Positive Materials – a textile company and strategic research partner supporting the development and acceleration of low impact textile innovation through collaboration between early-stage start-ups, supply chain partners and brands. Additional growth opportunities will be unlocked through the global supply chain network of PDS Limited.

The shortlisted Trailblazers will pitch their ideas for potential investment, culminating in the announcement of the winning innovator at Global Fashion Agenda’s Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2025 on 4-5 June at the Copenhagen Concert Hall. All shortlisted Trailblazers will also have the opportunity to showcase their businesses within an exhibit at the Summit to connect with other key industry stakeholders and potential investors.

In 2024, Global Fashion Agenda and PDS Ventures were delighted to present Bloom Labs as the winner of the programme. Bloom Labs is accelerating the transition towards a circular economy by tapping into the billions of tons of fibrous protein waste produced annually to create bioplastics and textile fibres at scale. Through a closed-loop process and 100% bio-based ingredients, Bloom Labs combines the best of natural fibres, such as hand feel, breathability and softness, with the efficiency of industrial fibre processing, reducing the use of resource-intensive natural fibres and synthetics.

Early-stage innovators can apply here to participate in the programme now. View the criteria for applicants here.

Applications close on 7 March 2025.

*PDS Ventures will invest between USD 50,000 – USD 200,000 in the winning company, specific amount to invest is contingent upon the winning company’s stage and status. The ultimate decision regarding the investment amount will be determined according to PDS Venture’s internal procedures.