• Experts Powering Footwear LaunchPad

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    Andy Gilbert

    Former President

    Genesco Brands Group

    Andy has 40+ years experience in footwear, from NIKE to leading a portfolio of globally recognized brands for a large shoe company. With his deep experience in brand development, retail strategy, and licensing, Andy is known for his collaborative leadership and strong relationships spanning major retailers, manufacturers, and brand partners. He is Chairman of the Footwear Innovation Foundation.

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    Michael Seeley

    Founder

    Liminal Group

    As an awarded, published, and globally distinguished Design, Innovation, and Branding leader, Michael has spent 20 years transforming multiple consumer product industries and has helped companies like IKEA, Walmart, Whirlpool, Panasonic, Qualcomm, P&G, KitchenAid, and many more. He works with entrepreneurs daily to help them build their business skills and refine their products to be market ready.

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    Andy Polk

    Executive Director, Footwear Innovation Foundation

    Andy is Senior Vice President at FDRA, the footwear industry's business and trade organization representing 98% of the footwear industry. He helps provide intelligence to shoe companies of all sizes, in all categories, at all levels from CEOs to those new to footwear. Andy is known for his strategic insight and ability to pull companies together on projects. He is also a co-founder of a technology company.

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    Alan Lugo

    Founder

    alanandres

    Alan spent over a decade at Wolverine Worldwide, and more recently at Natural Fiber Welding (NFW), holding key roles in footwear product creation and innovation while advancing next-generation sustainable materials for footwear. Alan is known for bridging design, development, and responsible manufacturing. He has taught footwear design at the university level, mentoring many students into successful careers. He is an expert in residence at Liminal Group.

  • "This has been the most valuable feedback anyone has given me on my concept. I'm entering my idea into the LaunchPad today." – LaunchPad Applicant

    What makes the Footwear LaunchPad different are the people powering it – real experts who've spent decades developing new products and and turning ideas into commercial reality for some of the top companies in the world:

    The Footwear Innovation Foundation

    • 501(c)(3) nonprofit scientific research organization established by dozens of leading footwear executives to serve as the pivotal hub for ideation and knowledge exchange, shaping the future of footwear. The mission of FIF is to champion inventive solutions for pervasive industry-wide challenges. The FIF empowers innovators, entrepreneurs, and academics by providing the guidance and resources they need to succeed.

    Liminal Group who train talent to be business leaders and build up their ideas to be commercial ready

    • Venture studio and innovation development hub dedicated to developing aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures for investment readiness and lasting market success through specialized development services, resources, and educational programming. Liminal Group bridges the gap between great ideas and investable businesses.

    Footwear leaders who know the industry inside and out and can deploy new ideas

    • The LaunchPad is financially supported by footwear companies. Those who help fund this program are afforded the first opportunity to engage and work with applicants up to a designated point in time where it then opens to the industry at large. Sponsors do not dictate chosen innovators or their work but support us financially so we can build ideas and concepts we know they need.

    Experts on material science, manufacturing, technology, and all facets of footwear to ensure success

    • A range of footwear experts and professionals to plug in, depending on the issue or area, to provide guidance and ensure success.

    We built the Footwear LaunchPad to ensure every idea gets seen. Top level talent and ideas that make it to the final rounds get development support and mentorship through our groundbreaking Elevation Lab and industry engagement programs.

    If you don't make the Elite 8 and the LaunchPad team determines that your idea has great merit, you may have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders on job opportunities or interest in working with you on your idea.

  • With Participation and Support by industry leaders at

    footwear innovation foundation launchpad innovation competition sponsors partners

  • further backed by fif's board and advisory council

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