• Announcing 2026 Launchpad Elite 8

    The innovators shaping the future of footwear

    After reviewing 150 submissions from engineers, designers, students, scientists, and entrepreneurs around the world, the Footwear Innovation Foundation is proud to announce the Elite 8 finalists of the 2026 LaunchPad – a first-of-its-kind accelerator built inside the footwear industry. Each Finalist presented their ideas in front of a panel of footwear industry experts at the Elevation Event in Portland, Oregon on November 4.

    These eight ideas stood out for their potential to solve major industry challenges, unlock new opportunities, and bring forward-thinking solutions the footwear world urgently needs.

    For now – bravo to these innovators breaking into the footwear industry!

    xxx

    xxx: xxx

    xxx

    xxx: xxx

    xxx

    xxx: xxx

    xxx

    xxx: xxx

    xxx

    xxx: xxx

    xxx

    xxx: xxx

    xxx

    xxx: xxx

    xxx

    xxx: xxx

  • Select innovators receive mentorship from industry leaders, hands-on support to build their ideas, and the opportunity to present in Portland to 100+ footwear companies like:

    foowear innovation foundation launchpad instagram feed
  • footwear innovation foundation launchpad innovation competition sponsors partners
  • background image
    Cookie Use
    We use cookies to ensure a smooth browsing experience. By continuing we assume you accept the use of cookies.
    Learn More