Fashion doesn’t just need new ideas—it needs a new ecosystem. In an industry grappling with unethical production, resource depletion, and the relentless pressure to grow, innovation can no longer mean just aesthetics or novelty. What fashion truly needs now is an ecosystem—a cross-disciplinary, future-facing infrastructure that nurtures both ideas and the people behind them. Enter The Bridge Fashion Innovator (TBFI) Launch Pad, Asia’s first fashion-focused ideathon by the Singapore Fashion Council (SFC), designed to do exactly that.
When Fashion Opens The Floor To New Thinkers
Innovation often comes from the edges, not just within traditional fashion silos. And the SFC clearly recognises this. “As the fashion industry faces increasing pressure to evolve, TBFI Launch Pad invites fresh voices and bold ideas to the table,” said Benjamin Tan, Senior Director, Innovation & Technology of Singapore Fashion Council. “By bridging fashion with technology and sustainability, we are building a resilient, future-ready ecosystem that puts social good at the forefront.” That includes everything from circular design frameworks to inclusive business models and materials science. By widening the field to any innovator, the initiative proves that the future of fashion isn’t exclusive—it’s collaborative.
When Cross-Pollination Becomes The Main Thread
Supported by institutions like the H&M Foundation and Earthshot Innovation Challenge, the ideathon goes beyond competition. It functions as an incubator for real-world collaboration. Participants gain access to mentors, bootcamps, and multidisciplinary support across fashion, technology, and sustainability. Impactful innovation happens when people from different backgrounds work together. The result is concepts that challenge legacy systems, and prototype what comes next.
Where Winners Earn Tangible Resources
The Launch Pad isn’t just a contest—it’s a springboard. Winners stand a chance to claim a share of the SG$10,000 cash prize pool, and secure internship placements with leading industry partners. This allows for innovators to gain invaluable hands-on experience bridging theory and real-world impact. Select teams will go on to receive venture building support from strategic partners Wavemaker Impact Team and Louken Group. This will go towards sharpening concepts, accelerating growth, and transforming ideas into tangible, scalable change.
When Innovation Becomes Accountability
Fashion can no longer separate creativity from responsibility. The programme marks a crucial shift in the industry, where ingenuity is measured not just by market buzz, but by measurable, systemic impact. “Fashion is one of the most influential industries in the world—with the power to shape culture, drive innovation, and lead change. The future is bright when we place our trust in young people. TBFI Launch Pad is a call to action for this new generation to reimagine what fashion can be—not just for style, but for meaningful impact,” said Zhang Ting Ting, CEO of the Singapore Fashion Council. With platforms like this, that future feels not only possible, but within reach.
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