#ITMA 2027

2026-05-05

ITMA 2027 opens Start-Up Valley applications following success stories from 2023

Following several high-profile success stories emerging from the Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2023, applications are now open for young companies wishing to participate in the initiative at ITMA 2027.

The Start-Up Valley concept, launched to connect emerging innovators with the global textile and garment manufacturing industry, has already helped a number of participating companies accelerate their transition from early-stage development to industrial partnerships and commercial market entry.

At ITMA 2023, 15 start-ups were selected for the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant, gaining visibility and direct access to manufacturers, brands, investors and technology partners across the textile value chain.

One of the most prominent examples is WEFFAN, which collaborated with Balenciaga on what is described as the world’s first 3D woven tailored suit for the fashion brand’s Spring 2026 collection.

Another participant, TreeToTextile, has significantly advanced its regenerated cellulose fibre activities since ITMA 2023. In early 2026, Lenzing acquired a controlling stake in the Swedish company, underlining industry confidence in the scalability of its technology.

Meanwhile, Noosa expanded its production capacity for bio-based circular PLA fibres and broadened its application portfolio following contacts established through the exhibition.

“For many of the companies selected for Start-Up Valley in Milan, the showcase proved far more than just an exhibition platform,” says CEMATEX President Alex Zucchi. “It provided a catalyst for partnerships, investment and industrial development that continues to shape their trajectories. This ongoing momentum highlights the role of ITMA not only as a marketplace for machinery, but also as a launchpad for emerging technologies and materials that will define the future of textiles.”

For ITMA 2027, only 20 start-ups will be selected for the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant programme. The package includes a subsidised exhibition stand, pavilion exposure, global marketing visibility and access to industry stakeholders across the textile value chain.

Applications are open to start-ups working in areas such as advanced materials, automation, digitalisation and sustainability.

Apply for Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2027

Last chance to apply: ITMA 2027 Start-Up Valley closes tomorrow

Applications for the Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2027 close tomorrow, offering young technology companies the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of several successful participants from the 2023 edition. The initiative, organised under the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant programme, has already helped a number of textile start-ups accelerate their transition from early-stage concepts to industrial partnerships, funding rounds and commercial deployment.

ITMA 2027: Exhibitors can now apply for ITMA 2027 stand space

Stand space application is now open for ITMA 2027. The 7-day exhibition will be held at Messegelaende Hannover, Germany from 16 to 22 September 2027. Featuring the theme Co-creating the Future of Textiles, the exhibition is expected to bring together global leaders and innovators to shape the industry’s future.

Hanover gears up to welcome ITMA participants after three decades

The city of Hanover is eagerly waiting to welcome participants of the world’s largest textile and garment technology exhibition - ITMA 2027. The exhibition will be held from 16 to 22 September 2027. It is expected to gross 200,000 square metres, occupying 13 exhibition halls at the Messegelaende Hannover.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.

DYNEEMA® and NP Aerospace advance personal protection for military servicewomen

Dyneema®, owned by Avient Corporation, an innovator of materials solutions, is supplying its high-performance unidirectional (UD) materials to world-leading armor manufacturer NP Aerospace, enabling the production of armor systems designed specifically to fit the female body. With 2,000 new armor systems, including 4,000 plates, made in the United Kingdom (UK) and delivered in June 2026, this collaboration addresses a long-standing lack of high-quality personal protection specially built for female defense and security personnel.

Textile Exchange publishes comprehensive polyester LCA study

Textile Exchange has released a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study on polyester, providing detailed data on the environmental impacts of both virgin and recycled polyester production. The study aims to strengthen understanding across the fashion, textile and apparel industries and support more informed decision-making regarding polyester sourcing and production.