Design 2 Manufacturing Fellowship
ISAIC’s Design2Manufacturing program offers two competitive fellowship opportunities to introduce designers to the process of bringing their designs to life through an advanced manufacturing project. Supported by JP Morgan Chase Bank, the goal of the program is to expand access to ISAIC equipment and expertise to support local fashion designers.
Over the Course of 6 Months, PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE $10,000 AND…
Master the Basics
They’ll learn the basics of industrial sewing and product design through the latest technologies and innovations available through ISAIC.
Deepen knowledge
They will deepen their knowledge of the skills and processes needed to sustainably and efficiently direct the manufacturing of their products.
GAIN access to Expert advice
They’ll have access to industry experts to guide them on pattern making, pricing, business development, and more to prepare them to manufacture a sample run of their own custom product.
timeline
FEBRUARY 9, 2026
Call Opens
MARCH 29, 2026
Call Closes
JUNE 5, 2026
Winners Notified
JUNE 18, 2026
Program Starts
SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
Milestone 1: Prototype Ready for Feedback Session
DECEMBER 18, 2026
Milestone 2: Sample Ready for Small Batch Production
APRIL 2027
Participation in ISAIC Honors
2025 Jurors
BRENNA LANE
A former ISAIC board member and co-founder of Detroit Denim with 12+ years of experience in the apparel industry at the intersection of operations, technical design and entrepreneurship.
JONATHAN WEST
Senior Manager of Global Product R&D Design at Carhartt and brings a future-focused perspective on fashion and functionality in the apparel industry.
YOHANNAN (YOGI) TERRELL
An award winning integrated marketing specialist with over 15 years of progressive experience in advertising and engagement, Terrell leads the Columbus Fashion Alliance, empowering the city to be a world-renown fashion capital where brands and creatives come to launch and grow their fashion based businesses.
Who is eligible?
Detroit or Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, or Washtenaw county residents
Must have an active business that is not currently manufacturing domestically
Must be eligible to receive taxable income (SSN, ITIN, EIN)
Must be 18+ years old
Open to individuals or small (2-3 people) teams
Watch Our Q&A Session from May 20th, 2025
Inquiries
meet the 2025 winners
Naomi Sundberg is a graphic and product designer originally from Tokyo, Japan. Hazelle started as a college thesis and passion project for Parsons the New School of Design, and officially launched in 2019 in hopes of giving urban women comfort and free expression. Naomi moved to Detroit two years ago, and her goal is to expand manufacturing locally. She sees this fellowship as a great opportunity for the next phases of Hazelle, and is excited to see the brand grow with ISAIC’s innovative team and Detroit’s creative and progressive community.
Kopa Apparel is a brand located in Detroit, MI. Deeply infused with the essence of family, culture, and a profound respect for the environment. The name “Kopa” embodies a dual meaning in Swahili: “to borrow” and “heart,” symbolizing their foundational principles. This duality reflects their commitment to borrowing from the earth responsibly, ensuring that what is taken is given back in equal measure.
At their core, Kopa Apparel is a testament to the power of integrating family values and cultural richness into a business model that prioritizes sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility. As a family-oriented venture, they champion a circular economy, urging their community to embrace a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to fashion.
They aspire to unite a global community under the shared goals of environmental stewardship and ethical consciousness. By merging a love for fashion with a commitment to the planet, they endeavor to change the world one piece of clothing at a time, driven by the heart of their mission and the profound significance behind their name.