The five start-ups will present their business models at the ITMF & IAF Conference 2026 in Fortaleza, Brazil, on 14–15 October.
The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has announced the five winners of the ITMF Start-up Awards 2026. The selected start-ups will present their business models at the upcoming ITMF & IAF Conference 2026, scheduled for 14–15 October 2026 in Fortaleza, Brazil.
The conference will be co-hosted by ABIT (Brazilian Textile & Apparel Industry Association).
The ITMF Start-up Awards provide start-ups with a platform to showcase innovative ideas and create opportunities to meet established companies from across the textile value chain in person.
Five Start-ups Selected for ITMF Start-up Awards 2026
The five winners, listed in alphabetical order, represent business concepts covering biobased polymers, artificial intelligence, zero-waste design, natural yarns, 3D weaving and enzymatic recycling.
Matereal, Switzerland
Business Concept: Charting the New Frontier – Biobased Polymers and AI for Textile Manufacturing
Matereal is among the five selected start-ups and focuses its award-winning business concept on the use of biobased polymers and AI for textile manufacturing.
no.wasTee Soluções em Confecções Sustentáveis, Brazil
Business Concept: Zero-Waste Design for a Low-CO2 Textile Industry
The Brazilian start-up’s concept focuses on zero-waste design and approaches aimed at a low-CO2 textile industry.
Tellura Technologies, Brazil
Business Concept: 100% Natural Yarn: From Fashion to Aerospace Biocomposite
Tellura Technologies has developed a business concept centred on 100% natural yarn, with applications extending from fashion to aerospace biocomposites.
Unspun, USA
Business Concept: Automating Apparel Supply Chains with 3D Weaving
Unspun’s award-winning concept focuses on the use of 3D weaving to automate apparel supply chains.
Yuantian Biotechnology (Tianjin), China
Business Concept: Enzymatic Recycling and Industrialization of Waste PET Plastic
Yuantian Biotechnology’s concept focuses on enzymatic recycling and the industrialisation of waste PET plastic.
Start-ups to Present at ITMF & IAF Conference
The five award winners will have the opportunity to present their business models to participants at the ITMF & IAF Conference 2026. The platform is intended to connect emerging companies with established businesses across the textile value chain.
The conference in Fortaleza will therefore provide an opportunity for the selected start-ups to showcase their approaches and engage directly with textile industry companies and stakeholders.