#Research & Development

2026-02-12

Solid Air Dynamics wins second place at RWTH Innovation Award

The proud winners with the award (from left to right: Maximilian Mohr, ITA Director Professor Dr Thomas Gries, Dr Sascha Schriever, Dr Christian Schwotzer, Dr Jens Hofer), copyright: RWTH Innovation GmbH
The proud winners with the award© RWTH Innovation GmbH

On 30 January, RWTH spin-off Solid Air Dynamics was awarded second place in the RWTH Innovation Awards for its research in the field of aerogel fibres. Manufactured from renewable raw materials, aerogel fibres offer outstanding thermal insulation, are extremely lightweight and completely biodegradable, and can consist of over 90 per cent air.

The founders, Dr Sascha Schriever, Dr Jens Hofer and Maximilian Mohr from Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) and Dr Christian Schwotzer from Department for Industrial Furnace and Heat Engineering (IOB) of RWTH Aachen University, want to revolutionise the market in the future with high-performance materials for sports and outdoor clothing or the mobility and construction sectors.

Please find the video with the application for the award-winning second place in the RWTH Innovation Award and the other nominees here. The video is only available in German. Thank you in advance for your kind understanding.

Video featuring the entry that won second place in the award-winning RWTH Innovation Award and the other nominees. The video was produced on behalf of RWTH Aachen University.

The award ceremony took place during the annual RWTHtransparent event in Aachen. The top three places were honoured with the RWTH Innovation Award. The RWTH Innovation Award recognises contributions that demonstrate particular innovation and charisma in the Aachen region.

Aachen Summer School: Textiles become smart through 3D printing and origami

From 21 to 29 September 2026, the Aachen Summer School will transform Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University into a laboratory of the future: over the course of a week, students will use origami folding techniques and 3D printing to develop active textile structures capable of performing programmable movements. This interdisciplinary event combines theoretical foundations with practical prototyping – from digital modelling right through to functional textile prototypes.

ITA has developed a washable digital smart jacket with real-time feedback and an AI-powered app for rehabilitation

As part of the PhysioTaix research project, the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University is developing a digital smart jacket with integrated sensors. The jacket is washable and reusable; it tracks movements during rehabilitation exercises in real time and transmits the data to an app.

DITF develops bio-based binding fibers for wood-fiber insulation materials

As part of the CelluWoodFlex project, the German Institutes of Textile- and Fiber-Research in Denkendorf (DITF) are developing bio-based cellulose ester fibers as alternative binding fibers for flexible wood fiber insulation materials. In addition to the spinning process and the production of suitable staple fibers, the institute is also investigating how wood and cellulose fibers can be separated and recycled at the end of their useful life.

POLYMERS-5B develops high-performance bio-based polyesters from agricultural waste

The European research project POLYMERS-5B is developing an integrated enzymatic biorefinery to convert agricultural by-products from Mediterranean food production into valuable raw materials for the food, cosmetics and bio-based plastics industries. Using tomato and olive pomace as feedstock, the process aims to recover several product groups from the same biomass stream. The consortium will present its latest technical developments and market findings at Ecomondo 2026 in Rimini on 3 November.

STFI showcases new Textile LAB Professional with focus on climate protection and sustainable technologies

The Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e. V. (STFI) in Chemnitz is organising a themed day on 3 December 2026, focusing on climate protection and the environment. As well as showcasing current applications for green cities and natural fibres for lightweight construction, the event will feature machine demonstrations in the new Textile LAB Professional. Under the motto ‘Design meets Technology’, this networking event will also provide an insight into artistic student projects, thereby facilitating a professional exchange on creative perspectives and modern technologies for climate protection and the environment.

25 years of medical devices: ITVP combines experience with innovation

ITV Denkendorf Produktservice GmbH (ITVP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. On October 1, 2001, ITVP was founded as a subsidiary of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), Europe’s largest textile research center. This spin-off company made it possible to consolidate expertise in medical technology and significantly expand production, which had previously been initiated mostly in the DITF’s cleanrooms.

Circulose resumes recycling of discarded cotton textiles and appoints interim CEO

Circulose today announced its restart of commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The Ortviken plant is the world’s first commercial-scale chemical textile recycling facility. Its restart demonstrates that the fashion industry is seeking ways to scale proven solutions that move beyond pilots and into commercial production.

Itema brings textile versatility to ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026

Itema announces its participation in ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026, taking place November 20–24 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. In Hall 3 – Stand D06, the company will showcase two Galileo-RX rapier weaving machines weaving heavy denim and conveyor belt fabrics, demonstrating its ability to address different textile requirements with application-specific configurations. Five additional Itema machines at partner booths will extend the exhibition lineup to upper shoe fabric, label, Jacquard leno fabrics, and shirting, offering visitors a broader view of Itema rapier and air-jet weaving technologies.

Brückner showcases sustainable technologies for the future of textile finishing at ITMA ASIA 2026

With rising energy costs, increasing environmental requirements, and growing competitive pressure, textile manufacturers worldwide are facing the challenge of making their production processes both more sustainable and more cost-effective. As one of the world's leading specialists in textile finishing machinery, Brückner will present innovative solutions and advanced production technologies at ITMA ASIA 2026 in Shanghai. These technologies can play a key role in significantly reducing both energy consumption and emissions.