Portuguese Footwear Association welcomes talents from Leading International Universities
20 May 2026
News
APICCAPS continues to strengthen the connection between the footwear industry and the international academic world, through a strategy aimed at preparing the future of the sector and creating opportunities for innovation. Next month, Portugal will welcome students from two of the world’s most prestigious fashion and design schools, the London College of Fashion and the Fashion Institute of Technology, in an initiative supported by Compete 2030.
The initiative is part of APICCAPS’ ongoing effort to bring academic knowledge closer to the business reality, promoting direct contact between young talents and companies from the Portuguese footwear and leather goods industry.
During the visit, students will have the opportunity to explore footwear, components and leather goods factories, as well as technology centres, gaining first hand insight into the production process, innovation capacity and know how that distinguish Portuguese footwear in international markets.
According to Cláudia Pinto, "the connection between industry and academia is essential to encourage new ideas and prepare the sector for future challenges.” She also highlights that "contact with internationally recognised students is an opportunity to showcase the very best that is being done in Portugal.”
"The Portuguese footwear industry has a great deal to teach, but also much to learn from younger generations,” says APICCAPS’ Communications Director. "These visits are an opportunity to share knowledge and inspire talents who may, in the future, collaborate with our companies.”
In recent years, the Portuguese footwear sector has invested heavily in innovation, sustainability and qualification, strengthening its position as an international benchmark through the combination of tradition, technology and design.
By welcoming students from the London College of Fashion and the Fashion Institute of Technology, APICCAPS reaffirms its commitment to building bridges between academia and industry, helping to ensure that "Made in Portugal” continues to be synonymous with creativity, quality and a forward looking vision.
at Fashion Weeks
At the same time, the Portuguese footwear industry will once again take part in the world’s leading fashion weeks. Between June and September, Portuguese footwear will be showcased on the main stages of Milan, Paris and New York.
"If Portugal has knowled
ge, tradition and continuous investment in the footwear industry, this collaboration with designers from around the world allows us to gain a fresher perspective on the market. It is clearly a winning strategy that we intend to deepen,” highlighted Cláudia Pinto.