Format: Six-week virtual Accelerator programme, two to three hours per week.
Who should apply: Early stage start-ups and entrepreneurs based in England.
Key dates: Applications close 26 August 2020. The programme will run from 9 September – 14 October.
The fast fashion industry has far reaching impacts on both people and the planet. It accounts for ten per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, depletes natural resources particularly water, uses harmful chemicals in great quantities and generates vast levels of waste and micro-plastic pollution once in use. Rapid innovation is needed to revolutionise the fashion industry as we know it. Garment production is one of the world’s largest and most labour-intensive industries with estimates of 75 million people worldwide and mostly women. Crucially, the supply chain funnels more money toward modern slavery than any other industry besides tech.
From fibre modification, to circular design principles and supply chain transparency, the CISL Accelerator is looking for early stage start-ups and entrepreneurs with tech-driven innovations that have the potential to transform the sustainability of the fashion industry.
This free Accelerator programme will bring together a select cohort of innovators to help fast track their sustainability solutions. Delivered over six weeks of interactive online sessions, with contributors from the United Nations, the University of Cambridge and experts from the fashion, investment and tech sectors.
Join this programme, designed for innovators in sustainable fashion, and you will:
- Explore the social and environmental challenges facing the fashion industry
- Learn from leading innovators driving change in the fashion industry
- Build your pitch, with insight on business planning, marketing and storytelling
- Hear from investors on the do’s and don’ts for accessing start-up funding
- Build your network with other innovators in sustainable fashion
Who should apply?
This programme is part funded by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund, and is available for free to SMEs based in England, with priority given to those in parts of the East of England.
It seeks early stage start-ups and entrepreneurs with innovations in sustainable fashion, particularly in the areas of:
- Material innovation and biotech – such as fibre innovation, enzymology and molecular biology
- Manufacturing and processing - supply chain transparency, blockchain technology, water and chemical use, waste reduction and energy efficiency
- Packaging and delivery - innovation in packaging materials, shipping and logistics, and waste reduction
- People centred solutions –improve health and safety for people in the garment production, consumer education on sustainable consumption, and post-consumer solutions