We transform business challenges into bold, breakthrough solutions for the creative industries with design + technology
We provide guidance and leadership to brands and retailers making a digital transformation
Featured PROJECTS
We develop new products and services that create value through thoughtful design and emerging technology. Since May of 2017, we have completed more than 50 projects — engaging over 60 faculty members and over 200 FIT students.
Tech Talk Videos
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News Feed
PETE Prize Winner Develops Recovery Footwear for Industrial Workers
06/08/2026 - DTech Lab has announced Annalisa Nundahl as the winner of the fifth annual PETE Prize forEntrepreneurs. Nundahl is the founder of Iron Step, a footwear business concept that offers a “recovery slide” designed for industrial workers experiencing foot pain and discomfort caused by protective footwear. “Built for the shift after the shift,” the slide is crafted to provide relief outside working hours while maintaining durability and comfort.“
The concept really started through observation and experience,” Nundahl said. “After nearly 15 years working in industrial and workwear sales, I became very aware of how physically demanding these jobs are and how little attention is given to recovery after long shifts. This project feels personal to me, and I’m excited by the opportunity to turn an idea into something real that could genuinely improve someone’s day-to-day life.”
The concept really started through observation and experience,” Nundahl said. “After nearly 15 years working in industrial and workwear sales, I became very aware of how physically demanding these jobs are and how little attention is given to recovery after long shifts. This project feels personal to me, and I’m excited by the opportunity to turn an idea into something real that could genuinely improve someone’s day-to-day life.”
Faryl Robin Takes a Step FRTHR with FIT’s DTech Lab
02/10/2025 - When Faryl Robin Gilston, Accessories Design ’89, Marketing: Fashion and Related Industries ’88, and her footwear company, Faryl Robin, came to FIT to develop a completely new identity for the brand, she worked with the college’s DTech Lab to freely generate the new look and new designs.
About DTech
DTech at FIT: Envisioning the future of business and creativity
An extension of FIT’s Innovation Center, the DTech Lab is FIT’s on-campus innovation lab developed with the promise of revolutionizing both the creative and retail industries, DTech unites design thinking with emerging technologies.
It’s where teams of FIT students —together with expert faculty—engage in research and problem-solving projects for companies facing a wide range of challenges. Industry partners enjoy the benefits of FIT’s unconventional minds who develop bold, original solutions by exploring trends in media, technology, and production.
It’s where teams of FIT students —together with expert faculty—engage in research and problem-solving projects for companies facing a wide range of challenges. Industry partners enjoy the benefits of FIT’s unconventional minds who develop bold, original solutions by exploring trends in media, technology, and production.
Our Partners
Collaboration with our partners is the key to the success of DTech Lab. Our teams are made up of student partners, faculty partners, industry partners and technology partners. We work together to solve challenging problems and identify solutions that add value through research, ideation and prototyping.
The Team
Michael Ferraro is the executive director of the FIT DTech Lab. Ferraro provides the strategic vision and creative direction for all Lab projects. His background in emerging technology and media production brings a distinct industry focus to the Lab’s experiential learning environment. Under his direction, Lab projects de-risk innovation for industry partners and empower entrepreneurs while helping build the workforce of the future.
Judith Bowens is the managing director of the FIT DTech Lab, focused on operating systems and strategies, business initiatives, and industry partner relationship development. Her experience in the luxury fashion, retail, and start-up spaces cultivating teams and scaling companies supports the DTech Lab's interdisciplinary project approach, reimagining how the combination of people and emerging technologies shape business innovations in the fashion value chain.
Caroline Kim is the administrator of the FIT DTech Lab, managing daily communications, logistics, and operations and ensuring the integrity of Lab projects according to mission and purpose, with a value on featuring the FIT community. Her experience in the fashion and beauty industries spans merchandising, buying, event implementation, and product launches for numerous luxury brands in the private and public sectors as she brings a storytelling lens to Lab initiatives.
Joanne Arbuckle serves as an Advisor to FIT’s DTech Lab, providing strategic stewardship and guidance to the Lab’s executive leadership. Previously, as Deputy to the President for Industry Partnerships and Collaborative Programs, she was instrumental in fostering synergies between the Lab’s innovative initiatives and the college’s broader academic and administrative divisions. Drawing on her extensive experience in developing FIT’s global partnerships, she works closely with the Executive Director to ensure that DTech's mission is seamlessly integrated across the college.
Contact
Fashion Institute of Technology
227 West 27th Street - C110
New York NY 10001-5992
United States
227 West 27th Street - C110
New York NY 10001-5992
United States
Michael Ferraro
Judith Bowens
Caroline Kim
Joanne Arbuckle
