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#Research & Development

TERNAfil wins 1st place in AC² Start-Up Competition

Great news from ITA institute: The spin-off team TERNAfil was awarded 1st place in the “Pitch & PitchDeck” category of the AC² Start-Up Competition 2024/2025! The award ceremony was held on June 5 in the historic Coronation Hall of Aachen’s Town Hall – a special setting for an important milestone.
The lucky award winners with Aachen's Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen (fourth from right) and ITA Director Professor Dr Thomas Gries (third from right) © 2025 ITA
The lucky award winners with Aachen's Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen (fourth from right) and ITA Director Professor Dr Thomas Gries (third from right) © 2025 ITA


Earlier this year, TERNAfil had already won 1st place in the “Idea Sketch” category and received the Best Pitch Award. This latest recognition further highlights the strong potential of this research-based deep-tech venture.

TERNAfil is a planned spin-off from RWTH Aachen, initiated by an interdisciplinary team with strong roots at the Institute of Textile Technology (ITA) and the Institute of Mineral Engineering (GHI). The team is developing a metal-ceramic hybrid fiber for use in high-demand sectors such as energy and aerospace. The next step is to bring the technology closer to application – for example, through the development of a prototype or demonstrator.

ITA Director Professr Dr Thomas Gries states: “ While TERNAfil is now an independent initiative, we at ITA are proud that the idea was born in our scientific environment. We’re excited to continue supporting the team – and warmly congratulate them on this outstanding success!“



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Elastic yarns to become more recyclable and environmentally friendly in future

On 29 April 2026, ITA student Tobias Dickmeiß was awarded a sponsorship prize by the Wilhelm Lorch-Stiftung for his innovative approach, to replacing conventional elastane with elastic yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Thanks to their thermoplastic nature and compatibility with typical polyesters used in the textile industry, elastic TPC yarns offer improved recyclability. Furthermore, the use of the melt-spinning process in yarn production eliminates the need for solvents that are harmful to the environment and human health.

#Research & Development

Walter Reiners Foundation Prize awarded to three ITA graduates

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#Research & Development

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#Research & Development

Regional hemp bast for lightweight construction profiles

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Stylish design made from sustainable materials – two DITF research projects receive Techtextil Innovation Awards

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