Solena's work developing a new category of protein-based fibre has caught the attention of Fashion District London's Manufacturing Futures programme, which supports innovators tackling fashion's toughest manufacturing challenges.

For far too long, the materials people could make were limited by what they already knew. Then, AI capabilities exploded – and with them, the frontier of material innovation expanded beyond what had previously seemed possible, particularly in the design of novel proteins for textile applications. Where scientists once relied on physics-based models, a new generation of tools has emerged: de novo protein design and high-throughput screening are now enabling innovators to move faster, iterate more boldly, and create materials from scratch.  

Solena Materials stepped into that space and developed a completely new category of fibre. In doing so, it began manufacturing futures.  

That work has now been recognised by Fashion District London, which has selected Solena as a finalist for its Innovation Challenge: Manufacturing Futures. The programme identifies and supports emerging innovations tackling the most pressing challenges in fashion production today, spanning everything from new materials to more sustainable approaches to manufacturing at scale.

What does this mean for Solena?

The programme comes at a pivotal time for Solena. As the company scales production and prepares for a Series A round later this year, the expert feedback and industry connections gained during the programme will be highly relevant to the challenges of turning computational promise into a commercially viable product.

As a finalist, Solena will take part in three tailored Development Days led by industry experts. The first, Critical Friends Day, will bring together 17 professionals to provide in-depth feedback on business propositions across sustainability, manufacturing, finance, and intellectual property. Next, the Production and Business Day will focus on real-world applications, brand partnerships, and commercial scalability, while the last session, the Investment Readiness Day, will support finalists in sharpening their investment strategy and pitch.  

Solena will also be competing for a £15,000 cash prize alongside an outstanding cohort of finalists, including Brilliant Dyes, Circle-8, Danu Water, Dye Recycle, Fevvers, Infinity Blue, Pulpatronics, Süss Fabrics, and Tera Mira.

Recognition from the judges

This year's cohort has drawn strong praise from the challenge's judges. Matthew Drinkwater, Head of the Fashion Innovation Agency at London College of Fashion (UAL), pointed to a broader shift underway across the sector:

“This year's finalists point to a reconfiguration of fashion's industrial logic. Across dyes, fibres, and processing systems, the work reflects a move toward precision, circularity, and reduced resource intensity. What stands out is the alignment between scientific innovation and commercial application – an essential condition for meaningful transformation. Good luck to them all!”

For Solena, the judges' recognition reinforces the significance of being selected. Gabriele Verikaite, Head of Business Development, said:

“Being selected for Manufacturing Futures 2026 is a strong validation of our approach. The programme brings together exceptional innovators tackling complex manufacturing challenges, and being part of that cohort pushes our thinking and broadens our network in ways that matter for scaling.”