Levi's names 10 entrepreneurs to fellowship program

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Jul 29, 2016

Levi Strauss & Co has named 10 entrepreneurs to Collaboratory, its fellowship program focused on water use and sustainability in apparel manufacturing.

Selected from 100 applicants stemming from 10 countries globally, the 10 finalists were chosen for their wide range of experience and influence in the apparel industry.

“We’re impressed by the caliber of applications we received from around the world and inspired by the bold thinking and shared commitment to creating a more sustainable apparel industry,” said Chip Bergh, President and CEO of LS&Co.

Bergh continued, “Our goal with the Collaboratory is to fuel the next generation of apparel makers and accelerate sustainability innovation, and we’re excited about what this group of fellows will accomplish.”

The first class of the Collaboratory is comprised of 5 men and 5 women with experience ranging from founders of dye companies to merchandising services employing at-risk populations. The fellows work in both mainstream industry roles as well as outside of the traditional apparel manufacturing workforce.

The focal project is an exclusive workshop for the fellows that was co-designed by the Aspen Institute and is focused on creating solutions to reducing water impact in the apparel industry. Levi's will hold Collaboratory at it's Eureka Innovation Lab where the fellows will work with the company's leaders and experts in the field of sustainability to drive their ideas towards implementation.

The fellows have the opportunity to also receive $50,000 in funding to help implement their sustainability plans after the fellowship.