Footwear Launchpad Innovation Competition
The footwear industry is looking for its next innovations from ambitious innovators. Is it you?
This is not another academic exercise. The Footwear Innovation Foundation will bring your ideas to life. Those who advance to the elite eight will have hyper-focused support to turn their idea into a pitch-ready solution for an audience of industry leaders ready to listen.
Top prize – $20,000
2nd prize – $10,000
3rd prize – $5,000
Top 3: The Foundation will help you with your business model, prototype, and pitch for investors and industry leaders!
Elite 8: The Foundation will invite you into our accelerator program, partnering you with industry leaders and experts to develop and launch your idea into reality!
Footwear LaunchPad Details
Who should enter: Everyone, every idea.
- We don't care if the idea is on the back of a napkin or has a prototype.
- We don't care If you are a student or a seasoned shoe pro.
- We don't care if the idea is a new technology, new shoe, new material, or a retail store idea.
- You are welcome to enter.
How is easy: Enter by simply submitting your information and idea.
- Be sure to follow the criteria stated, following the submission guidelines.
- If we need more info, we will ask.
What to expect:
- Application period closes May 20, 2025.
- Top 50 ideas go before a panel of industry leaders, with eight chosen to enter The Foundation's accelerator program.
- Feedback will be provided to serious applicants who didn't make it to the elite eight round to help keep your idea alive.
- Elite eight will enter our accelerator program (Bootcamp) to develop their idea into a real-world solution with business planning, strategy, and IP support. The Foundation covers the cost of the bootcamp.
- Elite eight then present their prepared idea pitch to industry leaders. A panel of judges will chose the top three.
- Top three will be awarded prize money and assisted with prototyping/modeling their idea to be commercial ready.
- Top three present their ideas at an in-person event to industry leaders and investors, with a panel of judges determining top, 2nd, and 3rd prizes.
