Competition Details

The Footwear LaunchPad is hosted by the Footwear Innovation Foundation and powered by Liminal Group, combining industry leadership with expert facilitation to accelerate innovation in footwear.

Click here to see the experts and industry leaders helping power this competition.

This is not just another competition. We built this to methodically bring your bold ideas to life.

If you enter our Footwear LaunchPad with a great idea, we provide direct industry access (shoe leader mentorship/employment opportunities), tremendous support and resources (business modeling, prototyping, concept development, IP support), to help you build your idea into a commercial reality (sell it, license it, build a new business).

Who should enter?

• Everyone. Regardless of your background or experience.
• First-year students to seasoned pros.

We welcome diverse talents, including those specializing in:

⚡Automotive ⚡Furniture ⚡Aeronautics ⚡Engineering ⚡Robotics

⚡Fashion ⚡Software/Coding ⚡Industrial Design ⚡Retail Experience

No idea is too small – Submit it. Free.

Whether your idea is still a napkin sketch or a fully-tested prototype, our simple application process levels the playing field so that all ideas get equal consideration.

We’re especially interested in ideas focused on:

💡 Innovative materials, designs, or systems

💡 Disruptive manufacturing technology

💡 Smarter financial and supply chain models

💡 AI, software, or technology to improve operations

💡 Reimagined retail concepts for evolving markets

Transform your concept into reality with unparalleled support:

✅ Elite Incubation: 8 submissions will earn admission to an exclusive 8-week incubation boot camp, powered by Liminal Group. Elite 8 Innovators are mentored and coached by a diverse range of experts.

✅ Concept to Reality: The Top 3 get to pitch industry executives on their ideas at an exclusive event with the possibility of investment, partnership, buyout, or a licensing deal. The Top 3 also get prize money up to $10,000.