Refiberd Announced as Winner of Trailblazer Programme 2025 at Global Fashion Summit
Credits: Global Fashion Agenda
Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) and PDS Ventures have revealed Refiberd as the winner of the
Trailblazer Programme 2025. The announcement was made last night at the official Celebration Dinner
of Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2025, the leading international forum for sustainability
in fashion, presented by GFA.
Refiberd, shortlisted under the ‘Closed Loop Pathways’ category, was selected by a panel of industry
experts based on the potential for systemic impact demonstrated in their comprehensive application and
live pitching. The company’s pioneering technology uses hyperspectral imaging and AI to accurately
identify the material composition of textiles, unlocking critical advancements in textile recycling, resale
authentication, and traceability.
As the Trailblazer winner, Refiberd will receive an investment of up to USD 200,000 from PDS Ventures,
pending successful completion of financial and legal due diligence and final Investment Committee
approval. The award also includes strategic commercial and operational support from PDS Group,
including development and commercialisation assistance from its innovation-focused subsidiary, Positive
Materials.
Federica Marchionni, CEO, Global Fashion Agenda, said: “At this year’s Summit, we are challenging the
industry to address its greatest obstacles and implement proven catalysts for change. Refiberd exemplifies
how technological innovation can help bridge longstanding structural gaps in the fashion system. Their
solution reflects the spirit of the Trailblazer Programme and the theme of ‘Barriers and Bridges’ by turning
challenge into opportunity. We are proud to support their journey and continue fostering a space where
collaboration across sectors enables transformation at scale.”
Pallak Seth, Executive Vice Chairman, PDS, commented on the award win: “We are thrilled to name
Refiberd as the winner of the Trailblazer Programme 2025. Refiberd embodies the spirit of visionary
entrepreneurship—developing breakthrough technology with the potential to transform the fashion
industry. The funding support provided through this award will be instrumental in scaling its innovations
and driving forward circular textile recycling across the supply chain. Now in its second year, the
Trailblazer Programme has seen incredible momentum, attracting applicants from six continents and
showcasing a diverse mix of pioneering solutions. This growing global response reflects the commitment
of PDS Ventures, in collaboration with Global Fashion Agenda, to empower founders who are reimagining
fashion for a more sustainable future. The 2025 edition sets a new benchmark for excellence,
demonstrating the calibre of talent shaping the next era of fashion—one that is more circular, equitable,
and climate-conscious.”
Credits: Global Fashion Agenda
Sarika Bajaj, Co-Founder & CEO, Refiberd said: “The Refiberd team is thrilled to have been selected as
the winner for the 2025 Trailblazer Programme! Having our technology be recognised by so many
influential members of the fashion and textile industry is incredible validation for our team, and we are
so grateful that the judges recognised the need for more accurate material data across the supply chain.
This opportunity comes at a critical growth point for Refiberd, and we are thrilled to work towards scaling
our technology with the support of the Trailblazer Programme, PDS Ventures, and Global Fashion
Agenda.”
Now in its second year, the Trailblazer Programme 2025 received over 200 applications from 44 countries
across six continents - nearly double last year’s total. Nine outstanding innovators were selected following
a rigorous review by a cross-sector jury including representatives from Ralph Lauren, Fashion for Good,
Zalando, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, GFA, and PDS Ventures.
This year’s programme was structured around three key innovation pillars that address critical priorities
for a more sustainable fashion industry: Working With Nature, Closed Loop Pathways, and Tech Powered
Transformation. The overall runners-up were Manny AI, recognised under the Tech Powered
Transformation pillar for its AI platform enabling responsive, demand-driven supply chains, and Matereal,
highlighted under Working With Nature for its chemical and AI-powered platform that creates less toxic,
decarbonised polymers for textiles to fit supply chain needs.
The nine shortlisted Trailblazers were featured within the Innovation Forum at Global Fashion Summit,
gaining direct exposure to industry stakeholders, brands, manufacturers, and investors.
The physical Trailblazer Award was designed and produced by Yellow Octopus Circular Solutions, created
from a minimum of 60% recycled textile waste sourced directly from the fashion industry. More than just
a symbol, the award contains approximately a box full of textiles.
Visit www.globalfashionagenda.org to learn more about the Trailblazer Programme and explore the
featured innovators.