Since October 2018, AEI Tèxtils is leading one of the main networks of experts in advanced textile materials in Europe, CONTEXT – European Network to connect research and innovation efforts on advanced Smart Textiles.
Dr. Ariadna Detrell, cluster manager at AEI Tèxtils, chairs the network. This was created as a result of the initiative from several European clusters and research organizations within the sector.
Today, CONTEXT gathers more than 220 professionals from 39 countries, mainly from academia and research, but also representatives from industry and end users.
The first public presentation of CONTEXT took place in Barcelona, in an international conference, which attended by more than 120 participants from several countries.
During these two years of existence, multiple activities have been carried out, including the organization of workshops to put in common the needs of users, the possibilities of industrialization and research trends, in the field of smart textiles for sports, building&living and for medical-hygienic-sanitary uses.
CONTEXT has awarded 17 grants to promote the exchange of researchers from companies and/or research centers, to foster the transfer of knowledge and a training school has been held in the field of building and personal protection applications.
One of the most visible results of CONTEXT are four projects, which are being carried out by companies members of AEI Tèxtils, to develop smart textiles for different applications.
With the aim of increasing the network and share its activities, on November 27, Dr. Ariadna Detrell presented CONTEXT at the E-textiles & smart materials session, within the T&G TexTech conference. This is being held in webinar format, from November 23rd to December 8th.
CONTEXT will continue working in the next two more years to bring research closer to the industry in order to accelerate the launch of new advanced textile materials.
