#Composites

2024-03-07

Discover the JEC Composites Startup Booster 2024 winners

In a few years, JEC Composites Startup Booster has become a reference for entrepreneurship in the composites industry worldwide. Each year after an application process, 20 startups, with groundbreaking projects using composite materials, are selected to join JEC World stage and pitch before a panel of expert judges.

This contest gives a unique opportunity to the participating startups as well as the international audience of JEC World to get some inspiration, network and foster business collaboration. Two exciting pitches sessions took place on March 5th and, after deliberation of the jury, 3 winners have been announced:

Category “Products & Materials”

ZILA BioWorks (USA)

Category “Process, Manufacturing & Equipment

TechnoCarbon (France)

Sustainability Prize

BioHalo (Danemark)

ZILA BioWorks (USA)

Industrial Bioplastics for a Circular Carbon Economy

ZILA has developed a patented bio-epoxy resin for use in industrial composites, coatings, and adhesives. We have identified clear steps to a 60% reduction in carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based epoxies. And our vitrimer technology can help manufacturers deal with the end of life of their products. ZILA formulates our bio-resin systems so manufacturers can adopt without any retooling.

TechnoCarbon Technologies (France)

Building the future of sustainable high performance composites materials with its patended innovation: CarbonFibreStone

TechnoCarbon designs, develops, manufactures and sells components and systems made of the first sustainable, ultra-low-carbon composite material to outperform steel and reinforced concrete. Our patented technologies enable deep decarbonization, lifetime extension, weight and environmental footprint reduction.

BioHalo (Denmark)

The Biohalogenation Company

Our mission is to introduce bio-based materials that serve as safe, eco-friendly and high-performance replacements for harmful PFAS.

The jury who deliberated on March 6th included representatives from major manufacturers and investors:

Jelle BLOEMHOF, Head of Composites Manufacturing Technologies, AIRBUS
Karl-Heinz FUELLER, Manager Future Exterior & Materials, MERCEDES-BENZ
Rebecca RAVENNI, Program Manager and Investment Analyst, TECHSTARS SUSTAINBAILITY PARIS
Florent ILLAT, Head of Safran Corporate Ventures, SAFRAN
Chris SKINNER, Vice-President of Strategic Marketing and R&D, OWENS CORNING

On the day of the selection of the 20 finalists, Jelle Bloemhof, Head of Composites Manufacturing Technologies at Airbus, states: “Supporting this competition gives us the ability to identify innovations early in the key area of composites that we would not otherwise discover. JEC Startup Booster is just the first step toward broader collaboration opportunities. It facilitates an introduction between participants and industry end-users, providing the opportunity to engage directly and discuss. The diversity of ideas is inspiring, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.”

“Once again this year, the list is exciting and covers a wide range of technologies. Observing the constant improvement and innovation in both technologies and applications is fascinating. They not only reflect industry trends but also play a major role in shaping them. This is significant for us as partners and for JEC World, as it is a rich source of inspiration and opportunities,” says Chris Skinner, Vice-President of Strategic Marketing and R&D at OWENS CORNING.

JEC World 2026 confirms its standing as the unmissable event for composites and their applications

JEC World 2026 confirms its position as the leading global event for the composite materials industry and its applications across multiple sectors, bringing together the entire composites ecosystem in Paris for three days of business, innovation, and collaboration. True to its Pushing the Limits motto, the 2026 edition delivered outstanding results despite travel disruptions worldwide. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 50 countries, including over 150 first-timers, presented a global panorama of products, equipment, and services across the entire composites value chain.

JEC Composites Startup Booster: 2026 winners announced

The leading global startup competition for composites and advanced materials has crowned its 2026 champions, ahead of a landmark 10th anniversary edition next year. The winners of the JEC Composites Startup Booster 2026 were announced on Wednesday, 11 March, at JEC World, recognizing the most promising emerging companies reshaping the future of composites and advanced materials.

JEC WORLD 2026 opens: Paris becomes the World Capital of composites

JEC World 2026 opens tomorrow, March 10, at Paris Nord Villepinte, bringing together the entire composites ecosystem for three days of exhibitions, conferences, technical sessions, strategic industry gatherings, and business meetings. As the “festival of composites”, JEC World is also a destination for a broad spectrum of other professional visitors, eager to discover how these advanced materials can offer sustainable solutions to their industries.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

KARL MAYER strengthens partnerships in the composites industry at JEC World 2026

KARL MAYER further strengthened its role as a reliable and competent partner to the composites industry at JEC World 2026. The global market leader in textile machinery manufacturing used the trade show to meet key customers, establish numerous new contacts, and engage in in-depth technical discussions.

Kordsa showcases its global expertise in material technologies at JEC World 2026

Kordsa, a subsidiary of Sabancı Holding, shared its global expertise in material technologies with participants at JEC World 2026, held in Paris. The company’s solutions developed for a wide range of industries—particularly aviation, energy, and automotive—stood out among its key innovations at the exhibition. Throughout the event, Kordsa also presented its vision for sustainable growth and its strategic transformation in composite technologies to international stakeholders.

Teijin Carbon strengthens high‑end sports offering with advanced prepreg and resin technologies for next‑generation bicycle performance

High‑end bicycle manufacturers are entering a new era in which modern frames and components must be lighter, stiffer, tougher and more sustainable – all while enabling fast, repeatable and cost‑efficient production. To support this shift, Teijin Carbon is expanding its portfolio of advanced prepreg systems developed specifically for premium road, gravel and mountain bike applications.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

Italian Textile Machinery heads to Geneva for Index 2026

An important delegation of Italian companies will exhibit at the upcoming INDEX 2026, the world’s leading event for the nonwovens sector, taking place from May 19 to 22 in Geneva (Switzerland). Numerous Italian exhibitors will be present within the Italy Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, an exhibition area of over 140 square meters dedicated to the latest innovations proposed by the Italian industry.