The Textile Technologies Institute, known as Aitex, has placed a clear emphasis on two powerful drivers for modern industry: innovation and sustainability. These ideas anchor the third edition of the Aitex Business Awards, recognizing breakthroughs that blend cutting edge textile science with responsible environmental practice. The awards celebrate achievements that not only advance products but also reduce ecological impact. Among past winners from the Valencian Community are Bioinicia from the Paterna municipality and Care Applications from Alcoy. Bioinicia earned recognition for fabrics with antibacterial and fungicidal properties, while Care Applications was honored for developing mechanical fabrics and devices that improve the ecological efficiency of industrial machinery.
Established in 2018, the Aitex Business Awards aim to energize the regional business landscape in textiles and related sectors. The program fosters collaboration among public and private institutions and encourages companies to pursue new solutions that meet evolving challenges. In doing so, the awards support industrial growth and enduring competitiveness through practical, science‑driven advances.
The ceremony for the third edition took place this week at the IVAM-CADA meeting room in Alcoy. The event drew participation from diverse leaders including the regional minister of economy, public sector executives, and representatives of the Valencian textile community. The gathering highlighted the ongoing impact of Aitex in guiding research, development, and industry collaboration. Attendees included senior figures such as the Minister of Economy, Ivace executives, local government officials, and leaders of the Valencian textile sector who spoke about future opportunities and regional strategy. The presence of these officials underscored a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth in the area. Attribution: Aitex press materials and regional economic briefings.
During the awards, fifty companies participated, with forty‑five percent coming from outside the community and a total prize pool of sixty thousand euros. The innovation prize went to Bioinicia for its work in bioimnichiatry solutions—note that the award ceremony featured the R&D lead from the company, Maria Pardo, receiving the honor. The second innovation prize was presented to Fate Decorde Muro, received by the company’s managing director, Rafael Pascual. In the sustainability category, the maintenance practices prize was awarded to Carmina Ferri, the CEO of a company based in Alcoy, while the European fashion creations prize was accepted by a Bocairent company headed by its managing director, Antonio Beneito. These recognitions reflect the breadth of innovation and sustainability across the regional textile ecosystem and its allied industries.
In her remarks, the Minister of Sustainable Economy emphasized the importance of ongoing public‑private cooperation. The aim is to ensure that Next Generation funds yield maximum benefits for the Valencian Community and its companies. Ivace Energy was highlighted as a key player in managing up to 120 million euros intended to promote electric mobility, self‑consumption, and energy efficiency in industrial settings. This commitment aligns with broader goals to reduce emissions, increase energy resilience, and accelerate the adoption of smart, sustainable technologies in manufacturing and logistics.
León Grau, president of Aitex, praised the institute’s role in revitalizing the local business fabric and supporting companies to remain competitive amid industry challenges. He noted progress on the new headquarters in Alcoy and pointed out the need for additional industrial land to prevent companies from relocating elsewhere. The remarks underscored a practical focus on infrastructure, talent development, and regional strategy to retain diverse industries within the community. The third edition thus positioned Aitex as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable growth, bridging research, industry, and policy to create lasting value for companies across textiles and related sectors. Attribution: Aitex leadership statements and event coverage.