Fashion Tech is the fourth largest technological sector in Europe and, currently, this market is being led by online sales companies. DeFINE – Developing a Fashion-Tech Innovation Network for Europe – is an initiative to build a system of contacts to bring together incubators, accelerators, startups, companies and financial backers. Its three-year programme includes 36 events, workshops, mentoring services, training and sharing of knowledge to benefit the entire community, so that cutting-edge technology and innovation can coalesce with European fashion and design industries.

DeFINE has presented the opportunities arising from digital technology to the fashion sector through a series of over 20 events involving 600+ startups, financial backers, company accelerators and incubators. DeFINE has helped innovators to develop over 85 business ideas and stimulate product prototyping and innovative processes, services and market approaches. Through its mentoring programme, DeFINE is going ahead with some of these business ideas, working together with several startups to access funding and enter the market. DeFINE is enabling contact between innovators, accelerators, incubators and financial supporters, acting as a channel for meetings during events and online contacts.