CEMATEX Selects 20 Start-Ups from Nine Countries for ITMA 2027 Start-Up Grant
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Emerging innovators will present technologies focused on sustainability, circularity, automation, recycling and textile production at Start-Up Valley in Hanover
CEMATEX has selected 20 emerging start-ups from nine countries to receive the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant and present their technologies at Start-Up Valley during ITMA 2027 in Hanover. CEMATEX will fully fund their participation, providing the early-stage companies with access to manufacturers, brands, investors and other stakeholders across the textile and garment technology sector.
The selected companies cover six product areas: Colourants & Chemicals, Fibres, Yarns & Fabrics, Garment Making, Recycling, Software & Automation, and Testing. Their technologies address different stages of the textile and garment value chain, with sustainability and circularity emerging as common themes.
20 Start-Ups Across the Textile Value Chain
The 20 CEMATEX Start-Up Grant recipients are Amphico, BioFluff, Eeden, EverDye, Fibarcode, Gemell Technology, Innovo Fiber, NunoX, Re.Solution, Recyc’Elit, Refiberd, ReSpin, Revoltech, RubyLab, Sages, Silana, Solena Materials, Sparxell, SwitchDye and Tintte.
Their technologies address challenges linked to materials, chemicals, resource consumption, recycling, traceability and production efficiency.
Amphico is developing alternatives to substances traditionally used in performance fabrics. Its PFAS-free membrane is designed to provide waterproof and breathable performance, while its colour platform introduces colour through weaving instead of dyeing. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often referred to as “forever chemicals”, do not readily break down in the environment or the body. Restrictions covering a widely used PFAS sub-group in clothing take effect under EU rules from October 2026.¹
Other start-ups are working on reducing resource consumption during textile processing. Textile production accounts for around 20% of the world's clean water pollution, mostly from dyeing², with conventional dyebaths relying on processing chemicals. SwitchDye's CO₂-switchable dyes are designed to reduce chemical use as well as water and energy demand while operating with existing dyeing equipment.
Innovation in Textile-to-Textile Recycling
Textile-to-textile recycling is another area represented among the selected start-ups. Recyc'Elit focuses on separating³ blended fabrics and converting them back into pure monomers for producing new recycled polyester, while recovering co-materials including elastane and cotton.
Refiberd combines software with hyperspectral imaging to identify fabric composition. The technology is designed to help recyclers determine the materials present in textiles being processed.
Across the 20 companies, sustainability and circularity are integrated into innovations covering different parts of the value chain. Several technologies also connect with ITMA 2027's focus areas of Advanced Materials, Automation & Digital Future, and Human-Centric Manufacturing.
Mr Alex Zucchi, President of CEMATEX, said: “What strikes me about this group is not simply that they are working on sustainability, but that many cannot imagine innovating any other way. That tells us where the industry is heading. Through the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant, we are giving these companies the opportunity to bring their technologies directly to the manufacturers, brands and investors who can help take promising ideas towards industrial adoption and scale.”
Dr Christian P. Schindler, Director General, International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), a member of the Start-Up Valley selection panel, said: “The quality of the submissions reflected both the pace and breadth of innovation emerging across the sector. We saw solutions with strong potential for industrial application, scalability and measurable impact across different parts of the textile value chain. Selecting just 20 companies from such a diverse application pool was a highly competitive process.”
CEMATEX to Fund Start-Up Valley Participation
The CEMATEX Start-Up Grant will fully fund the selected companies' participation in Start-Up Valley. The support includes a purpose-built exhibition stand, supporting services and promotion through ITMA's global marketing and PR channels.
The selected start-ups may also be considered for speaking and profiling opportunities at the Innovator Xchange.
At ITMA 2027, the companies will present their technologies alongside established manufacturers serving the textile and garment manufacturing value chain. The format will provide opportunities for interaction with manufacturers, brands, investors, research organisations and technology partners interested in moving emerging technologies towards commercial application.
Company profiles for the selected start-ups are available on the ITMA 2027 website.