Joe Fresh commits $1 million to establish Canada's first fashion innovation centre

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Mar 23, 2015

Joe Fresh and Ryerson University on Monday announced a long-term partnership that will see the creation of Canada's first fashion innovation centre.

The Joe Fresh Centre for Fashion Innovation, made possible with a $1 million investment from Joe Fresh, will develop and fund Canada's emerging fashion-inspired businesses through Ryerson's Fashion Zone, an incubator that supports students and student entrepreneurship as part of the university's growing innovation ecosystem.

The Joe Fresh Centre for Fashion Innovation and the Fashion Zone are modelled after the university's highly successful Digital Media Zone (DMZ) and Ryerson Futures (RFI), its affiliated business accelerator. The Digital Media Zone has incubated over 125 companies since launching in 2010.

Joe Fresh has maintained a far-reaching commitment to the future of the Canadian fashion industry, including education and support of new business and design talent. The goal of the innovation centre is to foster a 360-degree approach to mentorship that will best position young entrepreneurs for real world success. The centre will encompass Canadian startups in all fashion-related fields, including design, production, technology and professional services.

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During their time in the Joe Fresh Centre for Fashion Innovation, up to 21 businesses will work with academic and business advisors to develop their business models, products and go-to-market strategies.

The Joe Fresh Centre for Fashion Innovation will be open for applications in the coming weeks.