We are the footwear industry.
Launchpad is our vehicle to open doors for new talent and ideas.
FOOTWEAR INNOVATION FOUNDATION PRESENTS:
Add paragraph text here.
Add paragraph text here.
Why Enter?
WE ARE CHANGING THE GAME
1. be seen and heard by industry
2. elevate your idea/venture and yourself to the next level (of development) - have a chance to work with world-class industry operators -advisors, experts, developers and footwear brands
3. not just a competition, a continual development pipeline
(followthrough with innovators) - mentorship
1. Be seen by the industry.
FIF LaunchPad is your pipeline to innovation, mentorship, exposure
bridging innovation talent and footwear industry executives
identifying potential talent, innovation and build
covers the cost of entry, the boot camp, industry access and the event particpation. Last year we had 200+ applications. Scroll down to see particpant testimonials!
2. Applying is Easy.
Apply with your idea wheter it is written on a napkin, partially or fully prototyped/developed. We do not judge based on how development the idea is, but it's and your potential.
3. Anyone can Enter.
Enter anywhere across the globe. Enter at any level of experice: wheter you are a college student (18+), in another industry (architecture, auto, chemistry, etc.) or a long-time shoe dog.
4. The Benefits are Massive!
Depending on your talent, idea and desires, the top 50 and top 8 can expect:
Exclusive & Unparalled Access to Shoe Companies (Priceless)
The top 50 are seen by industry leaders. The top eight present their concept in front of 100 shoe companies at FDRA's 2026 Innovation and Sustainability Summit + tour Portland company HQs (NIKE, KEEN, etc.)
Real Support To Develop your idea to Reality (worth over $250,000)
The top eight recieve business training from Liminal Group experts, 1:1 mentorship from industry leaders, and hands-on support to turn ideas into pitch-ready concepts and even wearable reality. Even those who don't make the top 8 may find support for their ideas from our industry partners.
Business Maturity and Launch (worth years of time and energy)
For those who want to build a new business, or enhance what you've already started, FIF x Liminal Group have the ability to help scale your idea/product into a strong stand alone, market-ready company.
A footwear job (lifechanging)
Shoe companies are using this as a talent scounting opportuity. If we see talent, regardless of top 50 or 8, we share it with our parnters. It's your unniue shot at a high level job at the world’s leading footwear brands.
ADD CARDS? see below...
Add paragraph text here.
Real Support To Develop your idea to Reality (worth over $250,000)
The top eight recieve business training from Liminal Group experts, 1:1 mentorship from industry leaders, and hands-on support to turn ideas into pitch-ready concepts and even wearable reality. Even those who don't make the top 8 may find support for their ideas from our industry partners.
Exclusive & Unparalled Access to Shoe Companies (Priceless)
The top 50 are seen by industry leaders. The top eight present their concept in front of 100 shoe companies at FDRA's 2026 Innovation and Sustainability Summit + tour Portland company HQs (NIKE, KEEN, etc.)
Business Maturity and Launch (worth years of time and energy)
The top 50 are seen by industry leaders. The top eight present their concept in front of 100 shoe companies at FDRA's 2026 Innovation and Sustainability Summit + tour Portland company HQs (NIKE, KEEN, etc.)
A footwear job (lifechanging)
Shoe companies are using this as a talent scounting opportuity. If we see talent, regardless of top 50 or 8, we share it with our parnters. It's your unniue shot at a high level job at the world’s leading footwear brands.
FREE to enter. Deadline: May 31, 2026.
Background. Testimonials. Active Companies. FAQ:
Launchpad Background & 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.
Successful concepts require the expertise and industry knowledge we provide.
Too many innovators have ideas they cannot commercalize because they don't truly understand how to build a product, the industry, or lack the direct feedback from companies needed for success. Our program solves this access issue. If you've had an idea for year, or even built a prototptype, please enter. We want to see it and help.
Click here to learn more about the experts and industry leaders powering Launchpad.
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 exclusive direct industry access (shoe leader mentorship/employment opportunities), tremendous support and resources totaling over $250,000 in value (business modeling, prototyping, concept development, IP support, mentorship), to help you build your idea into a commercial reality (sell it, license it, build a new business).
Click here to see the step-by-step process of how our competiton operates.
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 exclusive direct industry access (shoe leader mentorship/employment opportunities), tremendous support and resources totaling over $250,000 in value (business modeling, prototyping, concept development, IP support, mentorship), to help you build your idea into a commercial reality (sell it, license it, build a new business).
Testimonials from Past Particpants:
[need to produce and add video]
In 2025, we recieved more than 200 applications from around the world.
Many ideas submitted were just basic concepts and white papers, including several of our Elite 8! We are looking for ideas that creativly solve real problems or unlock new opportunites. It doesn't have to be polished. In 2025, we had several great ideas we helped turn into polished gems and are now working with them to bring them to reality.
Footwear leaders are using this program to find new talent and ideas.
We are not academics or a group running a competition. We are the footwear industry. Footwear leaders guide and help us run our programs, including this one, and are activly enagaged as part of their feeder system. Anyone who applies that we think has a great way of looking at and solving problems - even if you don't make the top 8 - you will be seen by footwear executives.
Companies Activly engaged with the program providing mentorship.
[update - reduce size.]
companies who will likely be at the final pitch event in portland
[update - reduce size]
This is your chance to be seen and make your idea a reality. Don't miss your shot!
Launchpad FAQs
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 and industry access:
✅ 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 and industry leaders. Helping take your idea to the next level.
✅ Unparalleed Indistry Engagement: We provide an unparalled ability to connect with 100+ shoe companies. XXXXXXX
Lead Catalyst Sponsors
Innovation Allies
