CEMATEX Start-Up Grant Selects 20 Innovators for ITMA 2027

24 September 2026: CEMATEX has selected 20 start-ups from nine countries for its CEMATEX Start-Up Grant, giving them a place at Start-Up Valley during ITMA 2027. The exhibition will run from 16-22 September 2027 in Hanover, Germany, bringing emerging textile technologies before manufacturers and potential commercial partners.

The official Start-Up Valley directory confirms the recipients and describes technologies addressing dyeing, material identification, recycling and garment production. CEMATEX’s event calendar confirms the exhibition dates and Messegelände Hannover venue, following the earlier announcement of ITMA’s move to Hanover.

Who received the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant?

The selected companies 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 work covers both physical production processes and the information needed to manage textiles. Examples include plant-based material alternatives, embedded fibre identification, digital fabric twins and automated sewing. Screen Print India’s earlier coverage of Start-Up Valley’s growing participation provides background on the programme ahead of this selection.

Dyeing and performance fabrics attract new approaches

According to the organiser’s company profiles, Amphico is developing Amphitex, a PFAS-free waterproof, breathable membrane, and Amphicolor, a colour platform that creates colour through weaving rather than dyeing. These address different parts of performance-textile production: the membrane’s chemistry and the method used to introduce colour.

SwitchDye’s profile describes CO₂-switchable dyes for polyester that work with existing dyeing equipment. The company claims its approach reduces chemical use and water and energy demand.

Other colour-focused recipients include Sages, which develops dyes from food waste, and Sparxell, which uses plant-based cellulose to produce colour and visual effects.

Recycling depends on separation and identification

Recyc’Elit describes a chemical process for blended polyester textiles that recovers monomers for recycled polyester while retaining co-materials such as cotton and elastane. Refiberd takes a different approach: its material-identification software works with hyperspectral imaging to detect textile composition.

Identifying what a fabric contains matters before choosing its recycling route. This connects with the sorting and traceability challenges discussed in Screen Print India’s report on Avery Dennison and TEXAID. The technologies differ, but both address the need for better material information.

How did the selection panel assess applicants?

ITMA says an international expert panel assessed impact potential, scalability and alignment with the exhibition’s theme and innovation priorities. Relevant industry partnerships, intellectual property and industry recognition also formed part of the criteria where applicable.

The published panel includes Dr Christian P. Schindler, Director General of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation. Selection gives the recipients an opportunity to present their work at the exhibition.