Material Innovations Startup Program
Accelerate Your Innovative Material with Global Platform Access
Application Status
Applications Open: February 1st, 2026
Current Status: Accepting Applications
Spots Available: 10
Deadline: Until 10 participants are accepted
Why We Do This
We believe the next generation of material innovators will transform the textile industry. You're developing groundbreaking alternatives to conventional materials—mushroom leather, brewed protein fibers, bio-based finishes, and circular innovations that address the industry's biggest environmental and performance challenges. But too often, commercialization barriers—lack of market access, limited production partnerships, absence of industry guidance—prevent breakthrough materials from reaching their potential.
The Materials Innovation Startup Program exists to remove those barriers. We're investing in emerging material producers because we know that when innovative materials have access to the right platform, networks, and expertise, they accelerate industry transformation. Your success strengthens the entire textile ecosystem, driving sustainable innovation, enabling new product possibilities, and creating competitive advantages for forward-thinking brands.
We're not just helping you digitalize your materials. We're helping you build the future of textiles.
What is the Materials Innovation Startup Program?
A 12-month support program for emerging innovative material producers. Get platform access, expert coaching, and network introductions through the Source Textile Global community.
What You Get
Your materials on Source Textiles Global Community
Digitalize and activate up to 50 product listings on the Source Textiles global community, free of cost. Your own digital showroom with eCommerce enabled. Showcase your innovative materials to buyers, brands, and designers worldwide.
6x Expert Coaching Sessions
Each session is 60 minutes with an industry expert matched to your needs—production scaling, commercialization strategy, sustainability certification, exportation, and more. Access to Source Textiles community expert network including Tengiva co-founders Carlos Agudelo, PhD (Polymer Science) and Annie Cyr (Go-to-market strategy).
Global Summit Showcase Opportunity
Eligible to apply for our Annual Summit Demo Day—a global broadcast event where 5 selected material innovators present their breakthrough materials to 50,000+ viewers worldwide. The hybrid format features a central virtual stage with professional hosts, while local viewing parties happen simultaneously around the globe. Your material innovation could be showcased to industry professionals, buyers, brands, and press watching both virtually and at regional events—creating global visibility with local celebration.
Network Access & Introductions
Direct introductions to potential production partners (weavers, finishers, manufacturers) and clients (brands, designers, buyers). Community lead accompaniment for key meetings when strategic fit exists. Access to Tengiva's global textile network across 30 countries.
Platform Support
Priority onboarding and digitalization assistance. Marketing support for product launches. Innovation spotlight features. Educational resources on textile commercialization.
Access to Source Textile Global Community
Join the Source Textile Global community and connect with 160+ verified textile producers and designers across specialized sub-communities – including Source | Colombia for Latin American textiles, and other regional and specialized communities.
All community members operate under the Tengiva standard:
Swatch samples in one week
5-meter minimums on in-stock textiles
Full transparency on pricing, MOQs, and origin
Digitalized materials reviewed for accuracy
Connect with forward-thinking brands, designers, and manufacturers looking for innovative materials—with the speed, transparency, and accessibility emerging material producers need.
Priority Support
Get faster response times and dedicated assistance from our team throughout your 12-month program.
Educational Resources
Access our library of guides, webinars, and best practices on material commercialization, production scaling, and building market partnerships.
Am I Eligible?
✓ Company founded less than 7 years ago
✓ Material available for commercialization (not just lab concept)
✓ Minimum production capacity of 50 meters per production lot
✓ At least one production partner OR customer using the material
✓ Material represents significant innovation over existing alternatives
✓ Annual revenue under $2M USD (pre-revenue to early-revenue welcome)
How to Apply
1. Complete Application
Fill out the online application form → [Apply Now]
2. Submit Documentation
Upload your material specifications, innovation statement, and company information
3. Wait for Review
We'll review and respond within 2 weeks
4. Get Approved
Receive an email to schedule your welcome session for account setup and program details with a Tengiva specialist
5. Start Showcasing!
SKUs activated, expert sessions scheduled, network introductions begin
After Approval
→ 50 SKUs allocated for product digitalization
→ Calendar link to schedule your first expert session
→ Welcome guide and onboarding materials
→ Access to the entire source-textile.com community and all sub-communities
→ Introduction to innovation network and resources
Ready to Accelerate Your Material Innovation?
Get the platform access, expert guidance, and network connections you need to commercialize your breakthrough material.