#ITMA 2027

2026-05-21

Last chance to apply: ITMA 2027 Start-Up Valley closes tomorrow

Applications for the Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2027 close tomorrow. The initiative connects emerging textile technology companies with manufacturers, brands and investors from across the global textile industry. © 2026 ITMA 2027

Applications for the Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2027 close tomorrow, offering young technology companies the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of several successful participants from the 2023 edition. The initiative, organised under the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant programme, has already helped a number of textile start-ups accelerate their transition from early-stage concepts to industrial partnerships, funding rounds and commercial deployment.

At ITMA 2023, 15 start-ups were selected to present their technologies to manufacturers, brands, investors and technology partners from across the global textile value chain. Several of these companies have since achieved significant commercial and industrial progress.

Among them is COLOURizd, developer of the QuantumCOLOUR™ dyeing technology. Following its participation at ITMA 2023, the company expanded mill trials, secured new partnerships and accelerated industrial-scale evaluations. According to CEO Jennifer Thompson, the exhibition created direct access to decision-makers and resulted in more than 300 relevant industry contacts.

Another participant, sewts, secured a €7 million Series A financing round shortly after the exhibition. The Munich-based company develops AI-supported robotic systems for textile handling processes in industrial laundries, targeting one of the last largely manual areas within automated laundry operations.

Meanwhile, Swiss traceability specialist Haelixa continued scaling its DNA-based fibre tracing technology and secured additional funding in early 2026. The company also achieved industrial integration through cooperation with Barmag, now part of the Rieter Group, embedding traceability directly into fibre production processes.

The examples underline how Start-Up Valley has evolved beyond a pure showcase format into a platform supporting industrial validation, investment and market entry for emerging textile technologies.

For ITMA 2027, 20 selected start-ups will receive a subsidised exhibition package including pavilion exposure, international visibility and direct access to global textile industry stakeholders.

The programme targets companies working in areas such as advanced materials, automation, digitalisation and sustainability.

Apply for Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2027

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

ITMA 2027: Exhibitors can now apply for ITMA 2027 stand space

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