" FUSION REGENERA — Fashion Innovation Pitch Competition 2026
Fashion Innovation Fund · Summer 2026

FUSION
REGENERA

Where Fashion Meets Future

A $25,000 prize competition backing designers, material scientists, and platform builders at the frontier of sustainable fashion. A Fusion Fashion Tech Society activation. Launching Summer 2026.

REGENERA 2026 — FUND
6Categories
$25KPrize Pool
2026Launch Year
Our Mandate
Fashion is not a frivolity. It is the world’s second largest polluter — and its greatest untapped opportunity.

FUSION REGENERA is a pitch competition and innovation fund catalyzing the next chapter in fashion: one where sustainability is not a constraint but a competitive advantage. We back builders, makers, and thinkers at the frontier of what fashion can become.

Operating as a Fusion Fashion Tech Society activation, REGENERA hosts the premier US pitch competition for sustainable fashion ventures — connecting emerging innovators directly with funding, mentorship, and a global platform.

Winners will be announced in September 2026 during Climate Week NYC at the Fusion Fashion Tech Summit, alongside transformative panel talks and the exclusive No Permission Dinner programming, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly meetings.

Prize Structure

$25,000 in Total Awards

Grand Prize · First Place
$10K
USD · Non-dilutive Grant
The REGENERA Grand Prize
Awarded to the most transformative and investable venture across all categories.
$10,000 non-dilutive cash prize
Direct investor introductions
6-month FFTS mentorship program
Featured summit speaking slot
Second Place
$7K
USD · Non-dilutive Grant
The REGENERA Horizon Prize
Awarded to the runner-up venture demonstrating exceptional innovation and market potential.
$7,000 cash award
Investor network access
3-month mentorship program
Third Place
$5K
USD · Non-dilutive Grant
The REGENERA Seedling Prize
For the early-stage venture showing the most promising sustainable impact.
$5,000 cash award
Investor matchmaking session
Category Awards (×6)
$500
Each Category · USD
Category Champions
Each of the six competition categories awards a $500 prize to the category winner (Total: $3,000).

Total prize pool: $25,000 USD — distributed across top placements and category winners.

Competition
Categories

06 Focus Areas
01 —

Sustainable Design & Independent Labels

For designers and founders building fashion labels with sustainability at their core — from production ethics to circular end-of-life models.

Slow FashionCircular DesignZero WasteArtisan
02 —

Material Innovation & Next-Gen Textiles

For scientists, engineers, and founders pioneering bio-based, lab-grown, and regenerative material systems that redefine what fabric can be.

BiomaterialsBiotech FibresAlgae DyesMycelium
03 —

Fashion Tech & Platform Builders

For founders building digital infrastructure — AI design tools, resale platforms, traceability systems, and circular commerce technology.

ResaleTraceabilityAI DesignCircular Commerce
04 —

Supply Chain & Transparency Innovation

For ventures improving fashion’s supply chain — from ethical sourcing and fair labor platforms to carbon tracking and environmental compliance tools.

Ethical SourcingCarbon TrackingFair LaborCompliance
05 —

Circular Economy & Regenerative Systems

For ventures creating closed-loop systems, textile recycling innovation, rental & repair ecosystems, and regenerative business models.

Textile RecyclingRental ModelsRepairClosed-Loop
06 —

Consumer Education & Behavior Change

For initiatives, platforms, and campaigns educating consumers about sustainable fashion and driving behavior change toward conscious consumption.

EducationCommunityAwarenessEngagement
Competition Guidelines

Eligibility & Rules

1

Who Can Apply

Open to US-based and international applicants: individual entrepreneurs, startups (pre-seed through Series A), and established brands launching a new sustainable initiative. Applicants must be 18+.

2

Nomination Types

Self-nominations and third-party nominations both accepted. Third-party nominators must have consent from the nominee and provide their contact information.

3

Submission Requirements

All applicants must submit a completed application form, a 3-5 minute pitch video, and supporting materials. Applications incomplete at deadline will not be reviewed.

4

Category Selection

Applicants may enter up to two categories. Category prizes are awarded separately from overall placement prizes.

Jury Guidelines

I

Jury Composition

The jury consists of industry experts, sustainability leaders, and investment professionals committed to advancing regenerative fashion.

II

Scoring Process

All submissions are scored independently by each juror before group discussion. Final scores are calculated by averaging all juror scores.

III

Final Pitch Round

Top 3 finalists per category advance to a live pitch at the 2026 Fusion Fashion Tech Summit. Each finalist receives 8 minutes to pitch and 7 minutes for Q&A from the jury panel.

Judging Criteria

How Entries Are Scored

Each submission is evaluated across four dimensions, weighted to reflect both commercial viability and genuine transformative impact. A total score of 100 points is possible.

30
points
Innovation & Originality
How genuinely novel is the solution? Does it represent a meaningful departure from existing approaches?
25
points
Market Potential
Is there a credible path to significant scale? What is the addressable market?
25
points
Sustainability Impact
What is the measurable environmental or social benefit? Is the impact claim substantiated?
20
points
Team & Execution
Does the team have the domain expertise to execute? Is there evidence of early traction?

Minimum qualifying score: 60/100 to advance to semifinal round.

Key Dates

2026 Competition Timeline

Summer 2026

Applications Open

Online application portal launches. Self-nominations and third-party nominations accepted from Day 1.

Jul 2026

Application Deadline

All applications, pitch videos, and supporting materials must be submitted.

Aug 2026

Semifinal Review & Finalists

Jury panel reviews all qualifying submissions. Top 3 finalists per category notified and announced publicly.

Sep 2026

Live Finals — Climate Week NYC

Finalists pitch live during Climate Week NYC at the Fusion Fashion Tech Summit alongside the United Nations General Assembly. Winners announced at ceremony with No Permission Dinner programming.

Investment Thesis

Why fashion. Why now.

I

The regulatory wave is here

The SEC climate disclosure rules, extended producer responsibility laws, and mandatory sustainability reporting are forcing the industry to restructure. We back companies that are ahead of compliance, not chasing it.

II

Consumer shift is structural, not cyclical

The US secondhand market is projected to reach $70B by 2027. Gen Z and millennial consumers are reshaping demand around provenance, repair, and longevity.

III

Material science is at an inflection point

Breakthroughs in synthetic biology, fermentation technology, and molecular engineering are producing materials that outperform petroleum-derived textiles on multiple dimensions.

IV

Independent labels are winning

Fast fashion incumbents are losing relevance. A new wave of independent designers, armed with DTC infrastructure and authentic sustainability credentials, is capturing disproportionate consumer trust.

Funding Opportunities

Ready to regenerate the industry?

Whether you’re an emerging designer, materials scientist, or platform founder — we want to hear from you. Applications open Summer 2026.

Questions? Contact us at ambriel@fusionfashiontechsummit.com

Meet the Visionary

Founder & Creative Force

Ambriel Pouncy is the driving force behind FUSION REGENERA and the Fusion Fashion Tech Society, bringing together technology, sustainability, and culture to transform the fashion industry.

Ambriel Pouncy

Ambriel Pouncy

Founder, Fusion Fashion Tech Society · Global Head of Engagement & Ecosystem Innovation, The Digital Economist

Ambriel Pouncy is a Social Innovation Executive, Global Speaker, and Brand Strategist working at the intersection of fashion, technology, and culture to build circular, transparent, and inclusive futures.

As the Global Head of Engagement and Ecosystem Innovation at The Digital Economist, she leads global partnerships at the intersection of emerging technology, sustainability, and economic systems transformation. She previously served as Global Head of Web3 Luxury Partnerships & Innovation at Intertrust Technologies in Silicon Valley.

Her work has been featured on global stages including the United Nations Science Summit, the World Economic Forum (Davos), and Harvard University. She is also a recurring lecturer at Columbia University’s Climate School within the Graduate Sustainability Management program.

Global Impact

Thought Leadership

Featured speaker at the UN Science Summit, WEF Davos, Harvard University, and Columbia University’s Climate School. Leading advocate for using blockchain, AI, and decentralized systems to drive sustainability, circularity, and inclusion.

Tech Innovation

Pioneer in translating complex technologies into human-centered strategies. Deep expertise in blockchain, AI, and quantum sensing to foster global collaboration and equitable value creation in the fashion industry and beyond.

Climate Equity Champion

Launched HBCU Climate Ventures to mobilize Historically Black Colleges and Universities around climate innovation and workforce development. Founder of A More Humane World, a consulting practice aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Guest Lecturer

Recurring guest lecturer at Columbia University’s Climate School within the Graduate Sustainability Management program and Harvard University, where she teaches how AI, blockchain, and immersive technologies can accelerate transparency, circularity, and regenerative design across global industries.

Founded Organizations

Building a More Humane Future

Fusion Fashion Tech Society

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit and member of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network, connecting cross-sector innovators and advancing sustainability through curated experiences and thought leadership.

fusionfashiontechsummit.com →

A More Humane World

A consulting practice focused on regenerative business strategy aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, helping organizations build sustainable and equitable futures.

amorehumaneworld.com →

HBCU Climate Ventures

An initiative to mobilize Historically Black Colleges and Universities around climate innovation and workforce development, creating pathways for diverse voices in sustainability.

hbcuclimateventures.com →

Get in Touch

Let’s Build the Future Together

Have questions about FUSION REGENERA? Interested in sponsorship? Ready to apply? We’d love to hear from you.

Contact Information

ambriel@fusionfashiontechsummit.com

323.710.6867

fusionfashiontechsummit.com

intro.co/ambrielpouncy

LinkedIn

Send Us a Message

Winners Announced September 2026

FUSION REGENERA winners will be announced during Climate Week NYC at the Fusion Fashion Tech Summit, alongside the exclusive No Permission Dinner programming, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly meetings.

2026 Competition

Apply to FUSION REGENERA

Submit your full application to compete for $25,000 in prizes, mentorship, and investor access. Applications for Summer 2026.

Applicant Information

Venture Details

Your Venture & Pitch

Team

Pitch Video & Materials

Nomination Type

By submitting this application you confirm all information is accurate, you are 18+, and you agree to the FUSION REGENERA competition terms. Third-party nominators confirm they have the nominee's consent.

Questions about your application? Email ambriel@fusionfashiontechsummit.com

REGENERA Institute

The Fashion Accelerator

Three 3-week programs — 3 live sessions per week, 9 total sessions each — designed to take sustainable fashion founders from idea to investor-ready. Build your business, sharpen your pitch, and scale with confidence.

Why the Accelerator

From Vision to Venture

VC-Ready Fundamentals

Understand exactly what investors look for at every stage — from angels to institutional VCs — and build your venture to meet that bar.

Business Model Mastery

Craft a business plan that is coherent, compelling, and built for growth. Learn how to model your financials with confidence.

Pitch Perfection

Develop and rehearse a pitch that captivates investors. Learn narrative structure, data presentation, and how to handle tough Q&A.

Fashion Industry Access

Tap into a curated network of fashion industry mentors, sustainability leaders, and capital partners actively backing the next generation.

Three-Program Curriculum

Choose Your Level

Each program is $350 · 3 weeks · 3 live sessions per week · 9 sessions total · Certificate of completion included

Program 1 · Foundations
Seedling Program
$350
3 weeks · 3 days/week · 9 sessions
Built for early-stage founders and aspiring entrepreneurs developing their sustainable fashion concept. The essential building blocks to move from idea to viable, fundable business.
Week 1 — Business Foundations
Day 1: The sustainable fashion landscape — market size, trends, and your opportunity
Day 2: How to write a business plan: structure, executive summary, and financials
Day 3: Legal foundations — entity formation, IP basics, and founder agreements
Week 2 — Funding & Brand Identity
Day 4: Understanding the funding ecosystem — grants, angels, and early-stage VC
Day 5: Access to funding — where to find capital and how to get in the room
Day 6: Building your brand story and founder identity for investors and customers
Week 3 — Pitching & Leadership
Day 7: Introduction to pitching — the anatomy of a great deck and compelling story
Day 8: How to pitch — delivery, body language, and handling questions
Day 9: Leadership fundamentals in fashion — vision, culture, and managing creatives
Program 2 · Growth
Horizon Program
$350
3 weeks · 3 days/week · 9 sessions
For founders who have validated their concept and are preparing to raise capital. Focused on investor readiness, advanced pitching, and the mechanics of scaling a fashion venture.
Week 1 — Investor Readiness
Day 1: Funding stages in depth — pre-seed, seed, Series A and what each truly requires
Day 2: How to find and access the right investors for your specific stage and sector
Day 3: Advanced business plan refinement — unit economics and growth modeling
Week 2 — Pitch Mastery
Day 4: How to pitch at the growth stage — data, narrative, and investor psychology
Day 5: Pitch clinic — live practice with structured feedback from industry mentors
Day 6: Investor Q&A simulation — handling tough objections and closing the room
Week 3 — Scaling & Leadership
Day 7: How to scale — operations, supply chain, and team-building for growth
Day 8: Term sheets and cap tables — understanding and negotiating your deal
Day 9: Sustainable leadership in fashion — managing culture at scale
Program 3 · Scale
Apex Program
$350
3 weeks · 3 days/week · 9 sessions
For growth-stage founders and established brands ready to raise institutional capital, expand globally, and build lasting executive presence in the sustainable fashion ecosystem.
Week 1 — Institutional Capital
Day 1: Institutional VC engagement — how to get meetings and what to say in the room
Day 2: Access to funding at scale — family offices, impact funds, and strategic investors
Day 3: Impact measurement and ESG reporting — what investors require and how to deliver it
Week 2 — Advanced Pitching & Deals
Day 4: Advanced pitch — narrative control, conviction, and closing institutional investors
Day 5: How to pitch on global stages — UN, Davos, and summit-level environments
Day 6: Strategic partnerships — retail, licensing, co-branding, and M&A in fashion
Week 3 — Scale & Executive Leadership
Day 7: Scaling globally — international markets, manufacturing, and distribution strategy
Day 8: Building a board — advisors, governance, and accountability at scale
Day 9: Executive leadership in fashion — vision, legacy, and investor showcase pitch
Bundle & Save

Enroll in All Three Programs

Take the complete founder journey — Seedling, Horizon, and Apex — across 9 weeks, 27 live sessions, and receive priority access to the REGENERA pitch competition and investor network.

3 programs · 9 weeks total · 27 live sessions · 3 certificates

$1,050Full Bundle · All 3 Programs
Program Details

Format

Each program runs 3 weeks with 3 live virtual sessions per week (9 sessions total). Sessions are 90 minutes each. All sessions are recorded and available on demand for 90 days post-completion, alongside worksheets and a resource library.

Certification

All graduates receive a REGENERA Accelerator Certificate of Completion per program, co-branded with the Fusion Fashion Tech Society and recognized by the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network.

Community

Join a cohort of sustainable fashion founders, access an ongoing alumni network, and receive priority invitations to FFTS events, the annual Summit, and No Permission Dinner programming.

REGENERA Institute

Accelerator Application

Apply for the Seedling, Horizon, or Apex program — or the full bundle. Each program is $350 and runs 3 weeks with 3 live sessions per week.

Applicant Information

Program Selection

Your Venture

Goals & Readiness

Background & Commitment

By submitting this application you confirm all information is accurate, you are 18+, and you understand the program fee of $350 per course (or $1,050 for the full bundle) is due upon acceptance. Cohort sizes are limited — early applications are encouraged.

Questions? Email ambriel@fusionfashiontechsummit.com

Sponsor Framework

Partner with
FUSION REGENERA

A compelling opportunity for brands, investors, and organizations seeking visibility and impact in fashion’s most transformative moment.

$25KPrize Pool
6Categories
500+Expected Applicants
5,000+Summit Audience
The Opportunity

Why sponsor REGENERA

500+
expected applicants

Access to a curated pipeline of sustainable fashion innovators, from designers to tech founders.

5,000+
summit attendees

Brand visibility to thousands of fashion industry professionals, investors, and sustainability leaders.

Sep 2026
Climate Week NYC

Premier positioning during Climate Week NYC and UN General Assembly, alongside No Permission Dinner programming.

Sponsorship Tiers

Three ways to partner with us

Become a Sponsor

Express Your Interest

Questions about sponsorship?

ambriel@fusionfashiontechsummit.com