20 Start-Ups Selected For CEMATEX Grant At ITMA 2027

Twenty emerging start-ups from nine countries have been selected for the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant and will showcase their technologies at Start-Up Valley during ITMA 2027 in Hanover.

CEMATEX will fully fund the participation of the selected companies, giving early-stage innovators an opportunity to present their technologies to textile and garment manufacturers, brands, investors, research organisations and technology partners at one of the industry’s leading technology platforms.

The selected start-ups are working across colourants and chemicals, fibres, yarns and fabrics, garment making, recycling, software and automation, and testing. Sustainability and circularity are common themes across their innovations, with technologies targeting resource consumption, textile recycling, production efficiency and alternative materials.

The 20 companies are Amphico, BioFluff, Eeden, EverDye, Fibarcode, Gemell Technology, Innovo Fiber, NunoX, Re.Solution, Recyc’Elit, Refiberd, ReSpin, Revoltech, RubyLab, Sages, Silana, Solena Materials, Sparxell, SwitchDye and Tintte.

Among the technologies being showcased, Amphico is developing a PFAS-free membrane designed to provide waterproof and breathable performance in technical fabrics. It is also developing a colour platform that introduces colour through weaving instead of conventional dyeing.

SwitchDye is working on CO²-switchable dyes aimed at reducing chemical, water and energy consumption while being compatible with existing dyeing equipment.

Recycling is another key area. Recyc’Elit is developing technology to separate blended fabrics and convert them into pure monomers for producing recycled polyester, while recovering co-materials such as elastane and cotton. Refiberd combines software with hyperspectral imaging to identify textile composition, helping recyclers determine the materials they are handling.

Alex Zucchi, President, CEMATEX, said the selected start-ups demonstrated a strong sustainability focus.

“What strikes me about this group is not simply that they are working on sustainability, but that many cannot imagine innovating any other way. That tells us where the industry is heading,” Zucchi said.

“Through the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant, we are giving these companies the opportunity to bring their technologies directly to the manufacturers, brands and investors who can help take promising ideas towards industrial adoption and scale,” Zucchi added.

Dr Christian P Schindler, Director General, International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), and a member of the Start-Up Valley selection panel, said the submissions reflected the pace and breadth of innovation emerging across the sector.

“The quality of the submissions reflected both the pace and breadth of innovation emerging across the sector,” Schindler said, adding that the selection process considered industrial application, scalability and measurable impact across the textile value chain.

The grant covers exhibition space and supporting services at Start-Up Valley, along with promotional support through ITMA’s global marketing and PR channels. Selected companies may also receive speaking and profiling opportunities at the Innovator Xchange.

At ITMA 2027, the start-ups will showcase their technologies alongside established textile machinery manufacturers, creating opportunities to connect with potential customers, investors and technology partners.