#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2020-10-01

ISPO Brandnew offers opportunities for newcomers: the application period is nearing its end

ISPO Brandnew 2021 presented by YKK © 2020 ISPO

The application period for ISPO Brandnew 2021 is nearing its end: Innovative start-ups can still submit their ideas until October 9, 2020. For the 21st time, the world's largest and oldest international platform for start-ups in the sports industry will be honoring talented and future oriented young entrepreneurs. All start-ups offering products or services for sports and founded in 2017 or later can join in. They must also not yet be listed as an exhibitor at the ISPO Munich.

The world’s largest and oldest international start-up competition in the sports industry marks its 21st anniversary
Applications for ISPO Brandnew 2021 can still be submitted until October 9
Larger reach than ever thanks to livestreaming

From useful apps to new sports equipment: applicants can enter physical products and digital services alike. What's important is the idea that makes the consumer's access to sports easier or that supports or improves the active sporting experience. A jury made up of independent judges from different fields will select the winners. It will be composed of successful entrepreneurs and former participants in ISPO Brandnew and reflects the particular digital focus this year. ISPO Brandnew supports up to 50 start-ups by offering funding packages worth a total of €400,000.

Larger reach than ever thanks to livestreaming

Livestreaming will provide crucial advantages across all sectors: interested users around the world can log in and follow along with the ISPO Brandnew awards and pitches for the Overall Winner live. Because of this potential travel restrictions no longer present a problem. Registered users can also view the recordings afterwards. This enables ISPO Brandnew participants to generate a far greater reach than in previous years.

Trends and public pitch are decisive

The jury will select the winners at the end of October 2020. During their meeting, the jurors will develop a range of categories based on the nominations themselves as a way of highlighting industry trends and topics.

Nominees will be informed about the results at the beginning of November. The winners can then start planning for ISPO Munich 2021 from January 31 to February 3, 2021 directly with the ISPO Brandnew team. During the Public Pitch at the trade fair, the eight winners from the different categories will make a live presentation to the jury and battle for the title of overall winner.

Nominees must submit complete information about their company and their participating product, as well as additional photos and videos. You can find all additional information about the competition, the nomination process and registration online.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

YKK subsidiary Golden Hill Tower Limited marks 25 years of operations in Myanmar

Golden Hill Tower Limited, a subsidiary of YKK Corporation, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a ceremony in Myanmar on September 21, 2026. The event brought together approximately 230 guests, including senior executives from the YKK Group, to commemorate the company's development since the launch of its serviced apartment business in November 2000.

NEUMÜHLE launches mono-material hoodie designed for textile recycling

With the Circular Mono Hoodie, Zurich-based label NEUMÜHLE introduces a new essential designed around a single-material principle. The textile construction is cotton throughout, right down to the sewing thread. Entirely free from elastane, the hoodie launches as a Limited Drop for CHF 139. Take-back, collection and existing recycling partnerships complement its circular design.

MK SONS Denim Research to make its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam

MK SONS Denim Research, a specialist denim development and manufacturing division of Pakistan-based textile and garment manufacturer MK SONS, will make its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam on October 14–15, 2026. The company will present its approach to integrating denim product development with industrial manufacturing at stand T in the Green Area.

Syre appoints Tim King as CEO

Syre has appointed Tim King as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Dennis Nobelius, who has decided to leave the company after more than three years as CEO to pursue new opportunities in another industry. King, who has been with Syre since its early days, has been responsible for the company's industrial development and the execution of its strategy.