ITMA 2027 is witnessing strong momentum ahead of its return to Hanover, Germany, with growing exhibitor participation and increasing interest in its Start-Up Valley initiative. Reflecting the event theme, “Co-creating the future of textiles”, the exhibition continues to support innovation by providing emerging companies with opportunities to connect with industry leaders, investors, technology partners and potential customers.
The Start-Up Valley, introduced at ITMA 2023, has attracted significant attention from entrepreneurs worldwide. Applications for the 2027 edition have nearly doubled compared to the previous event, reinforcing ITMA’s position as a leading global marketplace for textile and garment manufacturing technologies.
Alex Zucchi, President, CEMATEX, said, “Start-ups are an essential part of co-creating the future of textiles. By bringing together innovators and industry leaders, ITMA provides the environment and opportunities needed to accelerate innovation and help promising ideas evolve into viable business ventures.”
With stand space applications closing on 8 July 2026, the next phase of sector planning will begin shortly. Companies applying early will have a greater opportunity to secure exhibition space within their preferred product sectors before detailed floor planning commences.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration across the industry, Charles Beauduin, Chairman, ITMA Services, said, “In an era of rapid technological change, sustainability imperatives and increasing market volatility, no single organisation can shape the future alone. Industry leaders, innovators, researchers and manufacturers must come together in Hanover to collaborate, share expertise and develop solutions that will drive the next chapter of sustainable textile manufacturing.”
Industry stakeholders continue to view ITMA as a vital platform for innovation and partnership. Woolmark, a regular participant, emphasised the exhibition’s role in connecting organisations across the textile value chain and showcasing advancements in natural fibre innovation and sustainable manufacturing.
Visitor interest is also expected to remain strong as textile and garment manufacturers seek new technologies, business insights and practical solutions to address evolving market demands.
Johannes Diebel, Managing Director, Forschungskuratorium Textil e. V., noted that ITMA provides a valuable environment where industry and textile research converge, helping accelerate the translation of innovative ideas into commercial applications.
Scheduled from 16 to 22 September 2027 at Messegelände Hannover, ITMA 2027 will focus on key industry themes including advanced materials, automation, digital transformation, sustainability, circularity and human-centric manufacturing.
The previous edition, held in Milan in 2023, featured 1,709 exhibitors from 47 countries and welcomed more than 111,000 visitors from 143 countries, highlighting the event’s global significance.
