Sustainable transformation in the textile and fashion sector depends on credible, science-based knowledge and collaboration across the value chain. IMASUS seeks to expand an accessible, industry-ready material knowledge base that connects academia, innovators, makers, designers and textile manufacturers.

Contributions are expected to demonstrate clear innovation, whether through reduced environmental impact, circular design, regenerative sourcing, advanced recycling, bio-based inputs, novel fibre development or breakthrough processing technologies.

Materials at research, pilot or commercial stage are all eligible, provided they show the potential to reshape current production and consumption models.

The open call is addressed to:

• Textile and apparel companies developing new fibres, fabrics or processes

• Start-ups and scale-ups introducing next-generation materials

• Designers working with experimental or regenerative materials

• Researchers and laboratories advancing material science

• Cross-sector innovators working at the intersection of biotechnology, chemistry, engineering and design

Applications are welcome from individual innovators as well as institutional consortia.

Participants are invited to complete the online submission form to include their material in the IMASUS database. The form gathers structured information on the material’s composition, production process, sustainability performance and application potential.

A dedicated section titled “Challenges you are facing” allows applicants to outline barriers encountered in development, scaling, certification, market uptake or regulatory compliance. These insights will inform future support activities and collaboration opportunities.

Applicants may also submit a physical sample, minimum size 10 x 10 cm, for analysis and inclusion in the IMASUS physical material library. Samples will contribute to technical documentation and comparative material assessment.

Early applications receive priority consideration for:

• Scanning electron microscopy imaging slots

• Inclusion in the first releases of the digital platform

• Selection for case studies and thematic workshops

Submitting early increases visibility within the IMASUS network and enhances opportunities for collaboration and dissemination.

Participation offers several benefits:

• Visibility within a curated, science-backed materials database

• Exposure to academic institutions, industry stakeholders and designers

• Potential inclusion in workshops, case studies and knowledge exchange activities

• Contribution to a structured mapping of next-generation sustainable materials

The initiative aims to strengthen the bridge between research and industrial application, supporting materials that can realistically scale and contribute to systemic change.

The open call closes on 28 February 2026. Early submission is encouraged to secure priority opportunities.

For questions, partnerships or institutional submissions, applicants are invited to contact the IMASUS team through the dedicated contact form available on the project platform.

Innovators working on materials that can redefine sustainability in textiles are encouraged to participate and contribute to building a robust and forward-looking material knowledge base.