Accelerating Sustainable Fashion Innovation: Highlights from the Next Gen Innovation Bootcamp at Future Fabrics Expo

On June 24th in London, during the 15th edition of the Future Fabrics Expo the Sustainable Fashion Next Gen Innovation Bootcamp, led by Christine Goulay and Sustainabelle Advisory Services took place. This specialised gathering brought together over 30 participants, including startup founders, brand leaders, investors, and industry experts for an afternoon of learning, connection, and innovation acceleration.

Across the afternoon, the bootcamp delivered an engaging program of expert-led masterclasses offering practical insights, a candid fireside chat, and an exciting startup pitch session.

The first masterclass Building a Viable Business Model & Investor Readiness led by Leo Vicars and Julia Brucher, from Green Ripple focused on four critical pillars: narrative, customer insights, go-to-market (GTM) strategy, and financial model and valuation 'pathway'. The masterclass emphasised the importance of crafting a compelling story that resonates with investors, transforming data into a persuasive investment case. 

The second masterclass Making the Most of LCAs for Emerging Innovations was delivered by independent consultant Libby Sommer, who works at the intersection of sustainability, science and corporate decision-making. This session explored how early-stage innovations can effectively use Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) during scale-up. The masterclass demystified the LCA process for emerging innovations by outlining how impact assessments evolve across different TRLs, from lab to commercialisation. Key focus areas included understanding contribution analysis to identify environmental "hotspots," selecting the right LCA partner, understanding costs, and avoiding misleading assumptions. 

Attendees learned practical strategies to ask the right questions when commissioning an LCA, and integrate broader sustainability considerations such as human rights and chemical safety beyond the standard LCA scope. Libby emphasised a whole-systems perspective and the importance of aligning LCAs with innovation strategy, equipping innovators to use these tools not just for reporting, but to improve their innovations, attract investors, and drive genuine environmental and social impact. 

The third masterclass titled Legal Startup Playbook was presented by commercial innovation lawyer Joanne Brook. This session covered the critical legal foundations needed for growing a business, forming partnerships and protecting your innovation. Key topics included choosing the right business structure, the strategic use of confidentiality and (M)NDAs, and the importance of protecting and commercialising intellectual property through patents, trademarks and copyrights. 

Christine Goulay co-presented this session, discussing LOIs and off-take agreements, and how these tools can build market confidence, attract investors and enable scaling. This session emphasised that legal strategy isn't just about protection, it's about empowering founders to grow with confidence, form strong partnerships, and navigate complex commercial negotiations.

Following the masterclasses, Christine Goulay sat down for a fireside chat with Laura Coppen, Investment Manager with H&M Group Ventures and Bérengère LAGRAULET, Sustainability Innovation Lead at BALENCIAGA. They shared practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, and how innovators can structure partnerships that work for both themselves and brands.

The bootcamp closed with a pitch session spotlighting four startups: Dyerecycle, Alt Leather, MycoFutures, and Post Carbon Lab. In front of a panel of expert judges including Laura Coppen, Bérengère Lagraulet, and Zoë Chrysostom from Plug and Play Tech Center, the startups presented their innovations and visions. Dyerecycle was announced as the winner, earning one-on-one consulting sessions with all three masterclass leaders, plus two hours of tailored support from Sustainabelle. 

The Sustainable Fashion Next Gen Innovation Bootcamp offered innovators a valuable opportunity to learn from industry experts, ask practical questions, and build on their knowledge needed to move their ideas forward. From legal basics to LCAs and being investor ready, the sessions were designed to help startups lay the groundwork for better decisions as they grow.

While no single event can cover everything, the bootcamp created space for learning and making connections, giving participants the tools to better navigate their next steps and build partnerships. It was a reminder that with the right support and knowledge early on, innovations have a better chance of becoming scalable, impactful solutions. 

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Sustainabelle Advisory Services will be offering an extended version of this bootcamp tailored for innovators looking to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their path to scale. If you’re interested in receiving an invitation to register, please send an expression of interest to info@sustainabelle.net