The New York Fashion Tech Lab is looking to merge fashion and technology by hosting a competitive search for the world’s top fashion tech innovators. Chosen applicants will be mentored and aided in launching their products. Hopefully Tim Gunn will be involved. He isn’t, but I think he should be involved in anything having to do with fashion, so I’m just putting it out there.
The lab is looking for any and all entrepreneurs and fashion start-ups that use new and cutting edge technology in their designs, products and services so you are not just limited to being a clothing designer. They are looking for innovations in areas as diverse as data standardization, customer engagement, security, geolocation, RFID, micro-manufacturing, wearables and, of course, 3D printing. All they ask is that you have a working beta that is ready to be tested and scrutinized by some of the biggest names in fashion.
The NYFT Lab is being funded by Springboard Enterprises and the Partnership for New York City with a long list of big name fashion houses, retailers and manufacturers along for the ride, including Ann Taylor, Estee Lauder, J Crew. Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren and Macy’s. The chosen applicants will have access to the founding members of the lab for twelve weeks, culminating in a Demo Day presentation in July.
“We’re looking for entrepreneurs who have innovative technology solutions that address the needs of the fashion and retail industry, including technologies from other sectors that can be redirected to fashion and retail,” said Kay Koplovitz, NYFT Lab co-chair.
You have until April 4th to submit your application and the lab and workshop starts in May and you must be willing to reside in New York for the duration of the program. The applicants will be chosen by the founding members of the NYFT Lab. They will also mentor the selected applicants with one on one meetings and strategy sessions, workshops and user-group sessions. The mentors will help refine their products, plan out marketing and other business strategies and grant them access to some of the most influential business leaders in the fashion industry.
Fashion is a massive business, totaling over 250 billion is sales in the US alone and New York City has twice as many fashion companies as Paris. There is no shortage of people using 3D printing to produce clothing and accessories so I’m really hoping that 3D printing plays a big part in this tech lab. If you think your 3D printed product can be adapted or useful to the fashion industry then you should consider applying.
If you use technology to create clothing or services related to the fashion industry then you can submit your application here. And in the imortal words of Tim Gunn, make it work.
