Incubator Program Fashion Startup

The Fashion Startup Incubator Program is delivered in two formats:

• 6-month format: 30 ECTS, 6 module groupings, full-time academic delivery.
• 12-month format: 60 ECTS, 7 module groupings, full-time academic delivery.

In both formats, participants must attend the official weekly classes and all mandatory scheduled sessions on campus.

To successfully complete the program, participants must pass all required module groupings and meet the academic standards set by IFA Paris.

Months 1 to 3 focus on identifying market gaps, defining a customer problem, testing the business concept, and shaping the value proposition.

Participants work on research, concept validation, business model development, and early strategic planning.

Workshops include

• Product Discovery: fashion markets and the industry
• Design thinking methodology
• Finding the value proposition
• Problem definition and statement creation
• Business Model Canvas
• Product / business road-mapping
• Lean and agile methodologies
• The fashion consumer: collating and analyzing feedback
• Commercial strategy

Months 4 to 6 focus on iteration, development, and early market testing of their Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

Participants refine their concept, strengthen their business model, and prepare for prototype or market launch readiness.

Workshops include

• Financial strategy
• Fashion Branding and PR
• Marcomms strategy – talking to the fashion consumer
• Creating an investor/client ready pitch deck
• Financing a fashion tech startup
• Market launch
• Fashion Supply Chain: Finding the right supplier and how to work with them.
• How to create a fashion tech product
• Intellectual Property for the fashion entrepreneur.

Participants that are ready to launch their company by the end of month 6 have opportunities to showcase their project to the public.

Previous cohorts have showcased their work at:

• Avantex Paris;
• a showcase at the Mona Bismarck Hotel;
• an investor pitch day held at Foundry.

Participants are paired with mentors from relevant sectors, disciplines and expertise to help and guide them through the process.

Mentors are drawn from the Foundry ecosystem, its network of partners, and the IFA Paris professional network.

The full-time program includes mandatory weekly face-to-face classes and in-person meetings with the program team.

The structure includes:

• one intensive week per month;
• weekly lab sessions;
• mentoring sessions.

Delivery format includes

• Specialist masterclasses and workshops
• 1-2-1 meetings with dedicated program staff
• 1-2-1 meetings with assigned mentor(s)
• Industry networking events

All sessions take place on campus at IFA Paris, and physical presence is required throughout the program.

Participants who successfully pass all required module groupings will receive a certificate of completion from IFA Paris.

Completion is based on:

• attendance;
• active participation;
• and academic validation of the program components.

Applicants should have a strong motivation in fashion and entrepreneurship and be prepared to commit to a full-time academic program in Paris.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age
• College graduate (minimum)
• An English proficiency level equivalent to an IELTS score of 5.5 is recommended in order to successfully follow the coursework. No official language certificate is required, but applicants must be able to understand courses taught in English.
• Strong motivation in fashion

Documents to provide
(in English or translated to English by a certified translator)

• Online application form
• Latest transcript
• Copy of High school diploma or its equivalence
• Motivation letter
• Resume
• Passport photo
• Copy of passport

Application Process

1. Fill in the online application form and download the documents.
2. After evaluation, the admission department will send you an admission or rejection letter.
3. If you are accepted, confirm your enrollment by paying your tuition fees.

Application Fee: €50