ITA RWTH Aachen launches textile factory 7.0 in Germany

Future-ready textile tech hub approved for Mönchengladbach.

The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University has received official approval for its flagship joint initiative, Textile Factory 7.0, marking a significant step toward shaping the future of textile production in Germany. The project will establish a dedicated textile technology and development centre in Mönchengladbach, envisioned as a connected, emission-free industrial estate designed for next-generation manufacturing.

Textile Factory 7.0 is being developed in collaboration with a strong regional and industry-focused consortium comprising the Research Institute for Textiles and Clothing at Hochschule Niederrhein, the Association of the Northwest German Textile and Clothing Industry, the Association of the Rhineland Textile and Clothing Industry, the Textile Academy NRW, and WFMG (Wirtschaftsförderung Mönchengladbach GmbH). Together, the partners aim to strengthen Germany’s textile ecosystem through innovation-led industrial transformation.

Unlike conventional research projects that examine technologies independently, Textile Factory 7.0 integrates energy efficiency, artificial intelligence and robotics, and biotechnology within a single, fully operational real-world textile laboratory. The approach is designed to foster close cooperation between research institutions and industry players, enabling faster translation of innovation into scalable industrial solutions.

The initiative is expected to significantly enhance the attractiveness and productivity of regional textile manufacturing. By anchoring advanced research and pilot-scale production locally, the T7-Factory will support job creation, promote sustainable production models, and reinforce the region’s position as a hub for high-value textile innovation.

The official T7-Factory kick-off event will take place on March 19, 2026, offering industry stakeholders an opportunity to engage directly with the project. The networking-focused event will explore four core themes: On-Demand Manufacturing, MicroFactory Engineering, Digital Textiles, and Biosphere, with ITA experts available for in-depth discussions on MicroFactory Engineering and Digital Textiles. The event will be conducted in German.

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). ITA and its partners have expressed appreciation for the support and look forward to advancing collaborative dialogue on sustainable textile innovation, while inviting industry stakeholders to explore future partnerships and project developments.