10 Companies, 5 Minutes Each, 1 Winner
The Advanced Functional Fabrics Summit brings together all elements of the advanced functional fiber and fabrics manufacturing ecosystem, as well as government, military, investors, and decision-makers to network, learn about new technologies, and get inspiration for the future of our industry.
With novel advanced fabric technologies and products in great demand, we are bringing back a popular event at the 2026 Advanced Functional Fabrics Summit. This startup pitch competition will feature companies with exciting new products and technology that will significantly impact the advanced functional fabrics ecosystem.
In this rapid-fire pitchfest, each company will have 5 minutes to pitch their product, share their prototype, and answer the question “Why is this important?” followed by a brief Q&A period with the judges. The audience will also get to score presenters as well.
SUBMISSIONS DUE BEFORE MIDNIGHT, JUNE 30, 2026.
With novel advanced fabric technologies and products in great demand, we are bringing back a popular event at the 2026 Advanced Functional Fabrics Summit. This startup pitch competition will feature companies with exciting new products and technology that will significantly impact the advanced functional fabrics ecosystem.
In this rapid-fire pitchfest, each company will have 5 minutes to pitch their product, share their prototype, and answer the question “Why is this important?” followed by a brief Q&A period with the judges. The audience will also get to score presenters as well.
SUBMISSIONS DUE BEFORE MIDNIGHT, JUNE 30, 2026.
The Details
Who Can Pitch:
Startups working within or adjacent to the advanced functional fabric space.
Advanced functional fabrics are those where traditional fibers, yarns and textiles are transformed into sophisticated devices and systems enabling, new functionality and capabilities. Examples include fibers and fabrics that can monitor vitals, heat or cool on demand, change color, reduce heat signatures, communicate and more. This also includes innovative new machinery and manufacturing process that enable the creation of advanced functional fabrics or more sustainable textiles.
Participant Requirements:
Prizes:
1st Prize
3rd Prize
Please contact [email protected] with any questions you may have.
Startups working within or adjacent to the advanced functional fabric space.
Advanced functional fabrics are those where traditional fibers, yarns and textiles are transformed into sophisticated devices and systems enabling, new functionality and capabilities. Examples include fibers and fabrics that can monitor vitals, heat or cool on demand, change color, reduce heat signatures, communicate and more. This also includes innovative new machinery and manufacturing process that enable the creation of advanced functional fabrics or more sustainable textiles.
Participant Requirements:
- Pre-Series B
- Have a prototype or a completed product
- Focused on advanced functional fabric solutions
- A US-based company
- 5-minute pitch (with deck and prototype or product demonstration)
- Brief 1-3 minute Q&A
Prizes:
1st Prize
- Cash Prize $10,000
- 3-Year AFFOA Startup Membership ($4,500 value)
- Featured in a story on AFFOA.org, the AFFOA Member Newsletter, including Contact Information
- Exposure across AFFOA’s various media platforms & social handles
- 3-Year AFFOA Startup Membership ($4,500 value)
- Featured in a story on AFFOA.org and the AFFOA Member Newsletter
3rd Prize
- 1-Year AFFOA Startup Membership ($1,500 value)
- Prominent exposure across AFFOA’s various media platforms & social handles
Please contact [email protected] with any questions you may have.
Apply to Be Part of the Pitch Competition
We will notify you if your company has been selected to be one of the 10 companies chosen to pitch by August 15.
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