Successful SME Innovation Day 2026

The ITM at TU Dresden had the opportunity to present the latest developments in textile and fiber research to a broad audience of experts from industry, academia, and politics at the SME Innovation Day organized by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).

Our presentation focused on two interactive demonstrators:

🔹 Actuated knitted fabrics with defined shape variability and
🔹 Sustainable, cost-effective composites made from bast, recycled carbon, and thermoplastic fibers for load-bearing applications.

We were particularly pleased by the great interest in the technologies presented and the numerous stimulating discussions with companies, research institutions, and potential users. This direct exchange has once again demonstrated that innovative textile technologies can make a significant contribution to solving current challenges in the areas of sustainability, resource efficiency, lightweight construction, and smart materials.

© ITM/TUD

For us, Innovation Day is far more than an exhibition of research results—it is a platform for technology transfer where new ideas, collaborations, and future projects take shape. The dialogue between academia and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a crucial element in successfully translating research results into industrial practice.

A heartfelt thank you goes to AiF Projekt GmbH for organizing this outstanding event and for its ongoing support of application-oriented research, as well as to all visitors for their keen interest and engaging discussions. We would also like to thank the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) for its important public funding to strengthen innovation and the SME sector.

We look forward to incorporating the insights gained and new contacts made into future research and technology transfer projects.