The Dornbirn GFC Innovation Forum provides a dedicated platform for innovators from the fiber and textile industry to showcase new technologies, materials, processes, and business solutions.
Located in the congress foyer, the Innovation Forum allows participating companies to present their innovations through displays, prototypes, roll-ups, or demonstrations and engage directly with international industry experts, decision-makers, and technology leaders attending Dornbirn GFC.
The forum creates a highly visible meeting point for industrial innovation, exchange, and discussion during the congress.
Dornbirn GFC Innovation Award: In addition to the Innovation Forum, participating innovators may apply for the Dornbirn GFC Innovation Award. Selected applicants will present their innovation in a 5-minute pitch, highlighting the key aspects of their solution based on three guiding questions:
WHAT – The Innovation
What is the innovation and what makes it new compared to existing technologies, materials, or processes?
WHY – The Business Case
Why does this innovation matter for the industry? What value does it create in terms of performance improvements, sustainability impact, cost advantages, new applications, or market potential?
HOW – Industrial Implementation
How is the innovation implemented in practice? What is the level of industrial readiness (pilot, first industrial application, commercial deployment) and the pathway towards market adoption?
A professional jury together with the audience will select the most outstanding innovation, which will receive the Dornbirn GFC Innovation Award.
Selected innovators benefit from several high-visibility presentation formats:
- Touch Point Exhibition in the congress foyer – located at the center of the event
- Innovation Stage Pitch – a short presentation of the innovation and its business potential
- Direct exchange with international industry experts, brands, and decision-makers
- Global visibility within the fiber and textile innovation ecosystem
Submission deadline 30 April 2026
If you are shaping the future of fibers and textiles, we invite you to present your innovation at Dornbirn GFC Innovation Forum and compete for the Dornbirn GFC Innovation Award.
