The Dhaka event will bring together manufacturers, technology providers, researchers and global buyers to promote innovation, productivity and sustainable textile production.
Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry is under growing pressure to improve product value, manufacturing efficiency and global competitiveness. Industry leaders highlighted the need to move beyond low-cost, mass production at a press briefing in Dhaka on 12 October. Against this backdrop, the Textile Innovation Expo 2026 will take place from 12 to 14 November at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka.
Expo to Connect Textile Industry and Technology Providers
The Textile Innovation Expo 2026 will showcase innovation-driven products, manufacturing processes and technology solutions. It will bring together textile and apparel manufacturers, technology providers, brands, buyers, researchers and other industry professionals.
Organisers expect around 5,000 visitors, including representatives of 100 brands and buyers. More than 200 international delegates from over 30 countries are also expected to attend.
The event is expected to feature around 50 textile, apparel and accessories factories, along with 200 technology and solution providers.
Textile Innovation Exchange (TIE) is organising the expo, with the Textile Innovation Center (TIC) as co-organiser. The Institution of Textile Engineers and Technologists (ITET) is collaborating on the event, while BKMEA and BGBA are associated with it. Textile Today Innovation Hub (TTIH) is implementing the initiative.
The expo aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s position as an innovation-driven manufacturing destination and support the industry’s expansion into medium- and high-value markets.
Falling Apparel Prices Highlight Need for Higher Value
Data from Eurostat cited at the press briefing showed contrasting trends in apparel prices in the European Union.
Between January and July 2026, the average price per kilogram of Bangladeshi apparel fell by 8.47%. In comparison, Vietnam recorded an increase of 11.76% over the same period.
These figures highlight the importance of improving product value and productivity in Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector. Rising production costs and continued buyer pressure on prices have increased the need for manufacturers to improve efficiency and develop higher-value products.
Four Zones to Showcase Textile Innovation
The exhibition will feature four themed zones focused on key areas of textile manufacturing:
- Dyeing and Printing Innovation: Solutions and technologies for textile dyeing and printing.
- Textile Materials Innovation: New materials and developments for textile applications.
- Garment Automation: Technologies designed to support garment manufacturing.
- Green and Sustainable Technologies: Solutions focused on sustainability and resource efficiency.
Factory Innovation Pavilions will give local manufacturers a platform to showcase innovative products and best practices. Factory-based programmes will also address productivity, operational efficiency and sustainability.
The Open Innovation Area will connect researchers, universities, start-ups, innovators and factory engineers. Participants will be able to present solutions to practical challenges facing the industry.
Technical Seminars to Address Industry Challenges
The expo will host six technical seminars covering topics relevant to the industry’s future development. These will include sustainability management, new fibres, digital product passports, traceability, textile recycling, productivity and energy conservation.
A plenary seminar titled “Strategy for Systemic Innovation Implementation” will also form part of the programme.
The sessions are intended to encourage knowledge sharing and help industry participants explore approaches to innovation across textile and apparel manufacturing.
Textile Innovation Award 2026
The Textile Innovation Award 2026 will recognise organisations and individuals for contributions to factory-level innovation, technological advancement, product development and sustainable management in Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry.
The awards will cover eight categories:
- Process Innovation
- Manufacturing Innovation
- Technology
- Product Development
- Marketing and Market Development
- Environmental Sustainability
- Social Sustainability
- Human Resources and Organisational Development
The final categories and winners will be announced after the evaluation and selection process is completed.
Building on Existing Innovation Initiatives
Textile Innovation Exchange was inaugurated by Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on 16 May 2026.
Its implementation arm, Textile Today Innovation Hub, has conducted more than 270 innovation projects across over 80 factories during the past seven years.
The Textile Innovation Expo 2026 aims to build on these efforts by strengthening cooperation between manufacturers and research institutions. The initiative also seeks to help factories improve productivity, develop higher-value products and adopt more sustainable manufacturing practices.
Exhibitor and visitor registration is open through the official Textile Innovation Expo website.