[pageLogInLogOut]

#Research & Development

Solid Air Dynamics wins second place at RWTH Innovation Award

The proud winners with the award (from left to right: Maximilian Mohr, ITA Director Professor Dr Thomas Gries, Dr Sascha Schriever, Dr Christian Schwotzer, Dr Jens Hofer), copyright: RWTH Innovation GmbH
The proud winners with the award© RWTH Innovation GmbH
On 30 January, RWTH spin-off Solid Air Dynamics was awarded second place in the RWTH Innovation Awards for its research in the field of aerogel fibres. Manufactured from renewable raw materials, aerogel fibres offer outstanding thermal insulation, are extremely lightweight and completely biodegradable, and can consist of over 90 per cent air.


The founders, Dr Sascha Schriever, Dr Jens Hofer and Maximilian Mohr from Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) and Dr Christian Schwotzer from Department for Industrial Furnace and Heat Engineering (IOB) of RWTH Aachen University, want to revolutionise the market in the future with high-performance materials for sports and outdoor clothing or the mobility and construction sectors.

Please find the video with the application for the award-winning second place in the RWTH Innovation Award and the other nominees here. The video is only available in German. Thank you in advance for your kind understanding.

 

Video featuring the entry that won second place in the award-winning RWTH Innovation Award and the other nominees. The video was produced on behalf of RWTH Aachen University.

The award ceremony took place during the annual RWTHtransparent event in Aachen. The top three places were honoured with the RWTH Innovation Award. The RWTH Innovation Award recognises contributions that demonstrate particular innovation and charisma in the Aachen region.



More News from Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA)

#Research & Development

Elastic yarns to become more recyclable and environmentally friendly in future

On 29 April 2026, ITA student Tobias Dickmeiß was awarded a sponsorship prize by the Wilhelm Lorch-Stiftung for his innovative approach, to replacing conventional elastane with elastic yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Thanks to their thermoplastic nature and compatibility with typical polyesters used in the textile industry, elastic TPC yarns offer improved recyclability. Furthermore, the use of the melt-spinning process in yarn production eliminates the need for solvents that are harmful to the environment and human health.

#Research & Development

Walter Reiners Foundation Prize awarded to three ITA graduates

Sabina Dann, Lukas Balon and Annegret Storm from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University were awarded the Walter Reiners Foundation Prize by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) for their master’s and bachelor’s theses. Peter Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation, presented the awards during Techtextil at the VDMA stand in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

#Research & Development

ITA spin-off Solid Air (SA) Dynamics reaches the semi-finals of the Rice Business Plan Competition

The ITA spin-off SA Dynamics has been nominated for the semi-finals of this year’s Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC), one of the world’s most prestigious start-up competitions, held at Rice University in Houston, Texas.

#Techtextil 2026

Smart textiles can also be sustainable, eco-friendly and AI-powered – ITA at Techtextil 2026

Sports shoes made from algae, leggings made from mushrooms, filtering (diesel) oil from water, 4D textiles, recyclable, sustainable and featuring AI – this is what the ITA Group is presenting at three individual stands run by ITA Aachen, ITA Augsburg gGmbH and ITA Technologietransfer GmbH on the joint stand of Elmatex in hall 12.0 D05.

More News on Research & Development

#Research & Development

Textile climate control system in workwear – exhibition at the 2026 SME Innovation Day!

Conventional protective workwear often reaches its limits during strenuous physical activity. In particular, the transport of sweat and excess body heat poses a problem. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) conducted research on flow-optimized, air-conducting textile structures that enable targeted climate control directly on the body. These structures can be integrated straight into protective work garments. The textile climate control system supports the body’s natural thermoregulation. This contributes to improved workplace safety and comfort.

#Techtextil 2026

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

#Research & Development

Regional hemp bast for lightweight construction profiles

The cultivation of fibre hemp for the production of ropes and clothing has a long tradition in Saxony. Due to its excellent fibre properties, it is also suitable as a renewable raw material for reinforcement in fibre composites. At the STFI and IWU in Chemnitz, the CannaPul project is cur- rently investigating how a regional value chain for hemp-based lightweight construction profiles can be established. To this end, the technical processing of hemp fibres into continuous fibre strands and their embedding in a suitable bio-based matrix are being investigated.

#ITMA 2027

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.

Latest News

#INDEX 2026

INDEX 2026: Reicofil introduces RF 5.10 upgrade boosting output by 10 percent

At INDEX 2026, Reifenhäuser Reicofil will present its latest developments for the nonwovens industry under the guiding themes “Grow Together”, “Expand Together” and “Transform Together”. On this occasion, the leading manufacturer of nonwoven machinery will be unveiling two brand-new technology advancements – RF 5.10 upgrade and RF Core – at the show.

#Recycled Fibers

Lindex and BASF partner to bring textile-­to­-textile recycled polyamide to lingerie sector

Lindex has partnered with BASF’s loopamid® to accelerate textile-­to-­textile recycling and advance the shift towards more circular material solutions in the fashion industry. Together they introduce loopamid to the lingerie sector.

#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

Tradition and Innovation – Phoenox Textiles Ltd. relies on state-of-the-art carpet back-coating line from Brückner

For more than 70 years, Phoenox Textiles Ltd. has been synonymous with quality, reliability, and inno-vation in the textile industry. Founded in 1954 in Huddersfield (Yorkshire, UK), a region with a long tradition in textiles, this family-owned business has continued to evolve without losing sight of its roots. Today, in its fourth generation under the leadership of the Mosley family, Phoenox successfully combines decades of experience with a clear, forward-looking corporate strategy.

#ITM 2026

Uster FiberQ excels for recycled raw materials too

Uster FiberQ is a complete solution for raw material utilization, supporting spinners to achieve consistent quality and profitability every day, building further growth for the future. The Turkish company ORTA relies on FiberQ with recycled yarn for its denim production. Data-driven knowledge puts the producer in control of raw material utilization – ready to make the correct decisions for process efficiency, quality and productivity.

TOP