Footwear Launchpad FAQs

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

The Footwear Innovation Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on accelerating innovation in the footwear industry. It
identifies and supports visionary ideas — from new materials and designs to retail models and manufacturing techniques — and helps turn them into commercial successes. The LaunchPad program is its flagship initiative to scout, mentor, and scale promising ideas that can reshape the industry.

Liminal Group is a venture studio and entrepreneurial 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. We bridge the gap between great ideas and investable businesses.

No, the LaunchPad is open globally. However, the Elevation Lab portion of the program (Elite 8) is conducted in English and aligned with U.S. time zones for live sessions.

Yes. Submissions, mentoring, and the Elevation Lab are designed to be accessible virtually, wherever you are. Semifinalists (Elite 8) will be invited to the in-person Elite 8 Elevation Event in Portland in early November.

Yes. You’re welcome to submit multiple ideas. Make sure each idea is submitted as a separate entry and clearly explained.

You must be 18 or older to enter. Students, early-career professionals, and experienced veterans are all encouraged to apply. We believe innovation can come from anyone.

Both individuals and teams can apply. If you’re applying as a team, designate one lead contact on your submission.

We accept everything from early-stage concepts to fully built prototypes. Whether it’s an idea you wrote down on a napkin but never executed, a CAD file, or a functioning model — if the idea is strong, we want to see it. We’ve specifically set up our entry form so that IDEAS come in at a level playing field.

We take intellectual property seriously. Everyone running this competition signs a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with
the FIF to protect your intellectual property throughout the process. We limit the access to ideas to a small group of individuals and leaders who we trust and who want to help support, not take, someone's ideas. If you make it to the Elite 8 we will work with you to sign legal documents to ensure even greater protection as we get to modeling/prototype stages.

The Elite 8 finalists get access to footwear leader mentorship, specialized support in helping prototype/model your idea, dedicated help in building your business case, and helping you become a better inventor/business leader yourself.

Generally, depending on the idea, and how far you make it in the LaunchPad, the following are possible outcomes:

● A working prototype

● Investor or partner interest

● Mentorship by industry leaders

● Fast-track to commercialization

● Exposure to brands and recruiters

● Inclusion in our innovation database

Submissions are reviewed by a panel of industry experts, innovators, and corporate partners. Ideas are evaluated based on originality,
feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with industry needs. The Elite 8 are chosen through a combination of scores, discussion, and interviews.

We assess ideas based on:

● Innovation and feasibility

● Growth during mentorship

● Real-world impact potential

● Alignment with key categories like sustainability, smart tech, and retail models

A mix of industry experts, company partners, and innovation mentors — including professionals from Liminal Group and the footwear sector. Meet the Launchpad Core Team.

You’ll receive an email update with your application status and next steps. The Elite 8 will also be contacted directly for scheduling
(virtual) Elevation Lab onboarding.

There is still great value to you! Even if your idea isn’t selected, you may be someone an industry professional is looking for. They may reach out to talk with you about your talent, or may find value in helping you build out your idea on the side. Your idea may be revisited for future programs. You will also be added to our innovator network for future engagement.

1. Those elected as part of our "Elite 8” join the 8-week Elevation Lab. Expect a few hours per week of virtual workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and self-paced development work. We work around your schedule as much as possible. But, this hands-on component is vital to making your idea a reality and accelerating it to market. We expect anyone who makes it this far to be excited and as engaged with us as we are planning to be with them!

Run by Liminal Group Ventures, the Elevation Lab offers:

● Expert coaching and mentorship

● Footwear industry knowledge

● Concept development resources (paid by FIF)

● Access to potential investors and employers

2. The Elite 8 will be expected to meet virtually with industry leaders and mentors for several weeks prior to the Elite 8 Elevation Event in early November. Helping you better shape concepts and ideas, with footwear wisdom added, as you formalize a final pitch deck.

3. The Elite 8 will be invited to present at FDRA's Innovation and Sustainability Summit in Portland November 2026 (the Elevation Event). FIF covers flights, hotel, F&B costs for the Elite 8. This is your opportunity to present in Portland to 100+ footwear companies!

The FIF sets up prototype development for selected ideas with our industry partners and experts. Helping you move quickly from concept to a digital or physical model, deck, schematic, etc. Each concept or idea may require a different form of prototyping. We know the best places and partners to accomplish what is needed.

You must follow the 4-page submission format outlined on the entry page.

• If we need more information: visuals, prototypes, business plans, or documents – we will email you.
• You can note in your application that more materials are available upon request so we are aware.
• We will not review emails after submission that provide additional materials without our request, in fairness to all entrants.