The award acknowledges Strandberg’s longstanding commitment to developing new solutions for textile recycling and her efforts to translate scientific research into industrial innovation.

Through years of research and cross-sector collaboration, Strandberg developed RespinJenny, a technology intended to address one of the textile industry's major challenges: recovering valuable fibres from textile waste while reducing resource consumption.

According to the award organisers, the innovation has the potential to contribute to a more circular textile industry by enabling the production of new fibres from discarded textiles without the need for water, chemicals or virgin raw materials.

From research to patented recycling technology

In its citation, the jury highlighted Strandberg’s perseverance, entrepreneurial courage and determination to challenge established textile recycling methods.

“With exceptional drive, perseverance and courage, Åsa Strandberg has taken on one of the global textile industry’s greatest challenges.

Through years of research, collaboration across boundaries and an unwavering belief in her idea, she has developed RespinJenny, a groundbreaking innovation that enables textile waste to be recycled into new, high-quality fibres without water, chemicals or the addition of virgin raw materials.

Åsa has gone beyond identifying a problem. She has dared to challenge established methods, transformed research into patented technology and built a company with tremendous potential. Her work demonstrates how innovation from Jämtland/Härjedalen could transform an entire industry and contribute to addressing a global challenge.

For her courage, visionary entrepreneurship and an innovation with the potential to make a real difference in the world, Åsa Strandberg, ReSpin AB receive the Innovation Champion of the Year 2026 award.”

The award was presented at Guldgalan, an event celebrating business and entrepreneurship in the Swedish region of Jämtland Härjedalen.

Alongside the recognition, Strandberg received a grant from the Olle Oscarsson Foundation and Axera Inkubator to support her entrepreneurial work.