Awesome Lab

The 1st FashionTech Accelerator Program in Spain.

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

Apply to the Acceleration Program

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.

Apply to Awesome Lab

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.

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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.

  • 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.

Explore our innovation platforms.