As the gym brand, we’re big on making progress, so we’re launching our first-ever innovation programme, the Gymshark Innovation Lab, teaming up with corporate innovation specialist L Marks. We’re inviting startups, scale-ups and innovators to help us discover game-changing solutions that make a real impact of Gymshark and our global community.
The Gymshark Innovation Lab is our search for the next steps (and reps) of progress we can make. We’re looking for partners who can discover transformative improvements in product performance, sustainability, supply chain optimisation and robotics.
Along with L Marks, we’re running a 10-week programme in which participants will receive mentorship, expert insights and the chance to test and refine ideas in real-world settings. And, for those whose ideas perform best and whose partnership shows the most potential, there’s the opportunity of a lasting partnership as we grow our brand further.
Interested? Thought so. Check out more info below or head straight to our application portal.
the categories
The best gym clothing for our people and planet
We’re looking for innovations in materials to elevate our gym clothing and accessories game - focusing on durability, comfort and adaptability - including sustainable material solutions that support and strengthen our goals for our planet and its people. All while, at the same time, ensuring the clothing we put on their backs is of the highest quality. We’re also aiming to strengthen customer experience with advanced sizing solutions to help give people one less thing to think about when it comes to the gym.
From supply chain to squat rack, faster
To keep up with – and even get ahead of – growing demand, we’re looking to improve our supply chain. The goal is innovations that deliver insights and predications to strengthen decision-making across our supply chain. We’re looking at technologies like advanced sales forecasting and predictive analytics to help us, as well as solutions that optimise the agility, efficiency and scalability of our DC spaces.
Heavy-lifting and time-saving robotics
Robotic technology can help us take huge steps forwards in fulfilment operations. We’re looking for cutting-edge advancements in robotic solutions and autonomous technology to help us do just that. Anything that can help us drive efficiencies, enhance scalability and support long-term growth will help us build a more agile logistics network for our future. And we want to hear about it.
Surprise us
We’re always open to listening, learning and growing. So if you’ve got any solution that can help us change the game for our customers, surprise us.
Timeline
Working with Gymshark
We’re Gymshark. We do gym. We create clothing, content and communities to help people realise how strong they can become.
Our legacy was built in the weight room and, since those first days in Birmingham in 2012, we’ve been driven by our vision to unite the fitness community. Since then, we’ve grown our community to over 18 million people across the world and employ over 900 employees across our offices and retail stores.
And, the best bit, everything we’ve done until now has just been the warm up.
Gymshark Innovation Lab is another step on our journey. Partners that get onto our 10-week programme will have access to our best talent within Gymshark, working collaboratively to refine ideas, while also gaining access to our state-of-the-art facilities for real life testing. This isn’t an opportunity you want to let pass by.
Mentors
zac singh
Product Development and Innovation Director
Adam Dorontic
Sustainability Director
Kelly Cawley
Global Planning Director
Matt Dehaty
Product Buying Director
Matt Rogers
Supply Chain Director
Nina Del Maschio
Sourcing Director
About L Marks
L Marks is a leading global innovation specialist which has created over 100 programmes with its partners in Europe, Asia and North America. Founded in 2014 with a presence in the UK and the US, L Marks has developed and delivered results-driven corporate innovation solutions, trusted by world-leading brands including BMW, Lloyd’s of London and United Utilities.
Through their award-winning Innovation Labs, L Marks’ partners have worked with over 450 startups with a successful deployment rate of over 78%. The L Marks New Ventures unit supports its clients to create and develop new revenue-generating businesses through its Venture Studio and transform their corporate culture within their Intra-Lab. L Marks has expanded its advisory support through their recent acquisition of The Inovo group, a US-based innovation consultancy with over 20 years of expertise in implementing scientific research and analytics to guide organisations to succeed at strategic innovation. To learn more, visit lmarks.com.
For any programme queries, please contact L Marks on gymshark@lmarks.com.
FAQ's
Eligibility Requirements
Is my business a good fit for Gymshark Innovation Lab?
We want to team up with both early and later-stage companies to help take their business to the next level. If you’re a potential partner, of any size or experience, that can help us with one of more of the innovation categories, get in touch.
Is there a minimum age?
You must be at least 18 years old to get involved in Gymshark Innovation Lab.
Can I apply if I don’t live in the UK?
For sure. The best innovators come from all over the world. We’ll be using virtual collaboration tools, such as ZOOM, as much as possible during programme make it as accessible as possible. Just be aware that you may need a visa to participate in the programme and that you will need to travel to the UK at points during the programme for site visits and the Demo Day.
Application Process & Deadlines
What’s the deadline for applying?
The deadline is the 2nd February 2025 at 11:59pm.
What is the process?
The programme has 4 stages:
Apply
Pitch
Programme
Demo
Check out our timeline for more information.
Programme Overview
Is Gymshark Innovation Lab like other accelerators?
We think we’re different, because your business will get the chance to:
Trial your product with Gymshark
Receive mentoring from senior Gymshark executives
Gain valuable knowledge and insights from subject matter experts
When’s the Gymshark Innovation Lab programme running?
The programme starts on the 28th April 2025 with the Demo Day taking place on the 14th July 2025.
Location & Relocation
Where’s Gymshark Innovation Lab held?
The programme’s flexible and will be mainly conducted online. In some instances, physical spaces may be offered, depending on the needs of each participating startup. While the day-to-day activities will be held remotely, both the Pitch Day and Demo Day will be in-person in the UK, providing the opportunity to network and build relationships with key people involved in the programme.
Do I need to relocate to participate?
No, though we do require on-site attendance for some of the key dates. We’ll chat to you about the one-on-one the needs of your company and the resources of Gymshark to see what would work best for you during the programme.
Mentorship & Support
Where will the mentors come from?
Mentors will include senior executives from Gymshark, experts within the wider Gymshark business, entrepreneurs, and external subject matter experts. We’ll announce a full list of mentors in the lead up to the programme.
Who are L Marks, and what’s their role?
L Marks are a leading global innovation specialist who have created over 100 programmes with partners in Europe, Asia and North America. Founded in 2014 with an big presence in the UK and the US, L Marks has developed and delivered high-performing corporate innovation solutions for world-leading brands like BMW, Lloyd’s of London and Sodexo.
Through their award-winning Innovation Labs, L Marks’ partners have worked with over 450 startups with a successful deployment rate of over 78%.
The L Marks New Ventures unit supports clients to create and develop new revenue-generating businesses through its Venture Studio and transform their corporate culture within their Intra-Lab.
Building on its experience in innovation delivery, L Marks are expanding their advisory and capability development support through their recent acquisition of The Inovo Group, a US-based innovation consultancy with over 20 years of expertise in implementing scientific research and advanced analytics to guide organisations to succeed at strategic innovation.
Investment & Equity
Do I need to give away equity to participate?
No. We don’t ask for equity for taking part in the programme. We may ask you to keep us up to date about future funding though.
Will Gymshark or L Marks invest in every company?
We’ll decide if we want to invest in any of the startups at the end of the programme.
Confidentiality & Exclusivity
Will I need to disclose confidential information?
If you’re invited to join Gymshark Innovation Lab, we’ll ask you to sign a participation agreement that includes a mutual non-disclosure agreement (NDA) – this means that we’ll keep your information confidential, and you’ll need to do the same for us. This ensures we can work together productively on the programme. However, when you’re applying to join, neither party will be under NDA, so please only share information about your product or business that you consider in the public domain.
Are you asking for exclusivity?
No, we’re not asking you to sign an exclusivity agreement during the programme, but we might ask for exclusivity in the UK or from our competitors if we move into a commercial relationship after the Lab.
We want to build a relationship based on trust and, if we work well together, we hope that you’ll see us as the first port of call when you need feedback on your new products. Please be aware that we will ask you to sign a mutual non-disclosure agreement (NDA) which you’ll need to adhere to, even when working with other parties in the automotive and financial services sector.
Financial Support
Are you offering any travel support or assistance?
Travel support to participate in programme-related activities is at our discretion.
Selection Process
How many startups will be chosen for Gymshark Innovation Lab?
We’ll aim to select about 4-6 startups to join the Gymshark Innovation Lab. This smaller cohort and focused approach makes sure that startups receive the best support and guidance.
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