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#Research & Development

TERNAfil wins 1st place in AC² Start-Up Competition

Great news from ITA institute: The spin-off team TERNAfil was awarded 1st place in the “Pitch & PitchDeck” category of the AC² Start-Up Competition 2024/2025! The award ceremony was held on June 5 in the historic Coronation Hall of Aachen’s Town Hall – a special setting for an important milestone.
The lucky award winners with Aachen's Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen (fourth from right) and ITA Director Professor Dr Thomas Gries (third from right) © 2025 ITA
The lucky award winners with Aachen's Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen (fourth from right) and ITA Director Professor Dr Thomas Gries (third from right) © 2025 ITA


Earlier this year, TERNAfil had already won 1st place in the “Idea Sketch” category and received the Best Pitch Award. This latest recognition further highlights the strong potential of this research-based deep-tech venture.

TERNAfil is a planned spin-off from RWTH Aachen, initiated by an interdisciplinary team with strong roots at the Institute of Textile Technology (ITA) and the Institute of Mineral Engineering (GHI). The team is developing a metal-ceramic hybrid fiber for use in high-demand sectors such as energy and aerospace. The next step is to bring the technology closer to application – for example, through the development of a prototype or demonstrator.

ITA Director Professr Dr Thomas Gries states: “ While TERNAfil is now an independent initiative, we at ITA are proud that the idea was born in our scientific environment. We’re excited to continue supporting the team – and warmly congratulate them on this outstanding success!“



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#ITMA 2027

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