The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has announced the five winners of its Start-up Award 2026. They will present their business models at the ITMF & IAF Conference on October 14–15, 2026, in Fortaleza, Brazil, co-hosted by the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT).

The ITMF Start-up Awards aim to provide start-ups with a platform to showcase innovative ideas and technologies and connect with established companies from across the textile value chain.

Matereal, Switzerland

Business Concept: “Charting the New Frontier – Biobased Polymers and AI for Textile Manufacturing”

Matereal develops non-isocyanate chemistry as an alternative to conventional polyurethane, combined with a proprietary AI and machine-learning platform. Its Polaris™ system is designed as a drop-in replacement for conventional polyurethane in coating, extrusion and molding processes and to run on existing production lines.

no.wasTee Soluções em Confecções Sustentáveis, Brazil

Business Concept: “Zero-Waste Design for a Low-CO₂ Textile Industry”

no.wasTee has developed a patented zero-waste design methodology that addresses material waste at the pattern-making and cutting stage. Its approach combines high material utilization with ergonomics and wearability.

Tellura Technologies, Brazil

Business Concept: “100% Natural Yarn: From Fashion to Aerospace Biocomposite”

Tellura develops processed yarns from natural fibers while maintaining their 100% natural content. The yarns are used as reinforcement for bio-based polymers to create lightweight, high-performance biocomposites for applications including transportation, architecture, sports and telecommunications.

Unspun, USA

Business Concept: “Automating Apparel Supply Chains with 3D Weaving”

Unspun has developed its proprietary OneWeave™ system to produce three-dimensional woven garments directly from yarn. The technology is designed for local, on-demand and almost zero-waste production, with the aim of reducing inventories, lead times and material inefficiencies in apparel manufacturing.

Yuantian Biotechnology (Tianjin), China

Business Concept: “Enzymatic Recycling and Industrialization of Waste PET Plastic”

Yuantian uses engineered enzymes to break down PET waste into the monomers rPTA and rEG, which can subsequently be repolymerized into recycled PET for applications including textile fibers. The company says a 300-ton rPTA production line is already operating, while a 5,000-ton line is under construction.

The five winners will present their technologies and business models at the ITMF & IAF Conference in Fortaleza. The ITMF Start-up Awards are intended to give emerging companies international visibility while facilitating direct interaction with established players from across the textile value chain.