Trailblazer Programme 2026: Calling Fashion’s Next Generation of Innovators
Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) and PDS Ventures are delighted to announce the opening of applications for the Trailblazer Programme 2026. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to discover and nurture the fashion industry’s most innovative companies, providing them with the resources needed to accelerate their growth and market impact.
GFA and PDS Ventures invite pioneering innovators to submit applications showcasing solutions that span the fashion supply chain while tackling one or more of the programme’s key innovation pillars:
GFA and PDS are pleased to present the Chair of the Trailblazer Programme 2026, Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer, Kering. In her role at Kering, Daveu sets out the sustainability strategy and ambitious objectives as well as implementing a set of best practices within Kering Group and its Houses. As Chair of the Trailblazer Programme, Daveu will be responsible for selecting the overall winner of this edition.
Applications will undergo comprehensive evaluation after which GFA and PDS will select eighteen exceptional innovations for the jury to review. Following jury evaluation, nine innovators will then participate in the Trailblazer Programme experience. Selected participants receive mentorship and strategic guidance for investor presentations, and direct feedback from seasoned industry professionals in the jury.
The 2026 jury features: Robert van de Kerkhof, CEO & Founder of PEPPER-i2; Yael Gairola, Non-Executive Director at PDS Limited and Senior Advisor for PDS Ventures; Jason Berns, Head of Sustainability and Product Innovation at Ralph Lauren; Pascal Brun, VP Sustainability and D&I at Zalando; Katrin Ley, Managing Director of Fashion for Good; and Dr. Yuly Fuentes Medel, Program Director for Textiles at MIT’s Climate Grand Challenges.
One outstanding innovator will receive a catalytic investment package worth up to USD 200,000* from PDS Ventures, specifically designed to fuel company expansion and amplify positive industry impact. Beyond financial support, the winner gains access to commercial and operational support from the global supply chain network of PDS Limited. A key subsidiary of the PDS Group is 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.
Selected finalists will present their innovative solutions to the jury, with the ultimate winner announcement taking place during GFA’s Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2026. All nine finalists receive exhibition space in the Summit’s Innovation Forum, creating valuable networking opportunities with key decision-makers, potential collaborators, and investment partners from across the global fashion industry.
The programme’s track record speaks to its growing influence in driving fashion innovation. The 2025 champion, Refiberd, was part of the ‘Closed Loop Pathways’ category and impressed judges with its revolutionary hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence platform that precisely identifies textile compositions. This breakthrough technology addresses critical challenges in textile recycling, authenticity verification for resale markets, and supply chain traceability – demonstrating how smart technology can solve longstanding industry problems. Read more here.
The programme’s inaugural winner in 2024, EVERBLOOM, pioneered a circular approach to textile production by transforming protein waste streams into high-quality bioplastics and fibres. This innovative process delivers the desirable qualities of natural materials while maintaining industrial-scale efficiency, significantly reducing dependence on resource-intensive conventional fibres.
The Trailblazer Programme’s international appeal continues to expand. The 2025 cycle attracted more than 200 applications spanning 44 countries across six continents, representing a remarkable doubling of participation from the previous year. This surge in global engagement underscores the programme’s reputation as a catalyst for sustainable fashion transformation.
Innovators can apply here to participate in the programme now. View the criteria for applicants here.
Applications close on 28 November 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.
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