Inkeeping with their reputation for always staying one step ahead of the game, Topshop have today announced an ambition innovation programme to discover and develop start-up businesses to deliver technology-enabled fashion products to a global consumer.

A pioneering partnership with corporate innovation specialist L Marks, the scheme is called ‘Top Pitch’ and aims to fill the current gap in the market for accessibly priced fashion technology products. It aims to find a means to explore, discuss and develop fashion-forward yet functional products with a democratic approach to pricing.

What with today being such a technologically-connected world, the brand hops to discover and co-develop prototypes that move wearable technology further into the fashion arena whilst retaining functionality that delivers for the user. This could be around smart accessories or in the emerging apparel space.

Sheena sauvaire, global marketing & communications director, Topshop comments: “TOPSHOP has long supported emerging talent in creative industries and this project serves to further this aim.  As a brand we champion new platforms of innovation and we see wearable technology as an exciting area of further exploration. The merge of style and function has yet to have been seen in a true consumer-ready sense and our aim is to discover new-to-market, highly desirable product at accessible prices for our fashion-savvy customer.”This scheme also offers mentors from a group of high-profile infleuncers in the business, including Rachel Arther – journalist and founder of Fashion & Mash; Maddy Evans, Fashion Director, TOPSHOP and Bethany Koby, Co-Founder and CEO, Technology Will Save Us.
Those shortlisted will not only have access to these mentors for a one-off session, but for a four-week bootcamp process which culminates in a presentation to Arcadia owner Sir Philip Green. The winning start-up will have designed a product with utility, relevance and style for the TOPSHOP customer.

Applications are now open for the intensive month-long programme and the most promising team will be awarded the chance to secure equity investment and potential to see their product in TOPSHOP stores in the future.

For further information about the programme or to apply for a place, please visit www.toppitch.co.uk Closing date for applications is Sunday 22nd May