Awesome Lab

The 1st FashionTech Accelerator Program in Spain.

An initiative to face the challenges that are shaping the future of the fashion industry.

Desigual and Plug and Play have partnered to launch an acceleration program that will connect a select group of startups to business opportunities and potential investment.

In Partnership with Desigual

This initiative wants to boost the development of technology solutions that will face the main challenges of the Fashion industry. Desigual will do so through an open innovation model to foster the entrepreneur culture within the company.

This new program means a step forward in the innovation path for Desigual, enabling startups to implement their technologies in a strategic manner in order to build together the future of fashion. Awesome Lab consolidates Plug and Play’s presence in Barcelona, a city that is already emerging as an international innovation hub.

Acceleration Challenge Areas

Phygital: An enhanced buyer and seller experience through new digital solutions and in-store shopping that bridge the gap between online and offline.
Ecommerce: Tools to offer a new, end-to-end commerce journey, from product discovery to order confirmation.
Data Analytics: Solutions to understand customer behavior, forecast trends, and empower strategic decisions within the company.
Pricing: Tools to enable smart and automated price benchmarking.
Identify Innovative Talent: Recognize in advance innovative and relevant talent.
Boosting creativity: Technology that allows designers to boost their creativity and fashion approach across the whole supply chain.
New Payment Methods: New payment tools using the latest technologies.
Last-Mile Delivery and Returns: New customer-centric delivery and return solutions.
Product Interactions, Traceability, and Inventory Systems: Interactive tools that establish a meaningful relationship with the customer through Desigual's products.
End of Life and Circular Economy: Solutions that enrich designers to use new products or to design recycling-focused collections, as well as solutions that help customers discover new second-life alternatives for used items.

Startups We Are Looking For

Startups will be evaluated by a panel of experts, based on their applications and interviews.

B2B or B2B2C startups, with a Seed to Series A maturity
Evidence of significant progress in business growth and revenue
The desire to learn how to innovate and scale their business with Desigual and Plug and Play
Product on the market driving value for customers
Breakthrough technology with global scale potential
Solutions focused on digitalization, new talent, sustainability and impact growth

Key dates

July 20th
Applications open
Sep 15th
Applications close at 11pm (CEST)
Oct 4th
Selection Week for Startups
Oct 18th
Week of Program Launch
June 2022
Expo Day & Program Wrap Up

Program Benefits

Mentorship & Masterclasses from experts
We’ll connect you to industry experts, leaders, and specialists in fields such as product management, supply chain, business growth, and fundraising.
Access to an International Network of Opportunities
You'll have the opportunity to connect with regional and global VCs and investors throughout the program, and we’ll introduce you to potential partners and investors through Desigual and Plug and Play events.
Practical Training
Through 8 months of practical workshops, from business model canvas, lean methodology to fundraising, you’ll learn how to scale your business and address key business challenges. Startups will also have access to IT tools and services: itperks.pnptc.com/startup-perks/europe
Equity Free And Potential Partnership Opportunities
You'll have the chance to meet with Desigual business units Directors to potentially develop a POC and establish a relationship to strategically support the goals of the brand. No equity will be required.
Coworking Space
Free desks for your entire team in a dynamic coworking space in Desigual's HQ (Barcelona) for the duration of the 8-month program.
Expo Day
Final day to celebrate your progress and achievements with mentors, directors, and attendees from the innovation and fashion ecosystems.