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JEC Composites Startup Booster 2026

The leading international startup competition in the world of Composites and Advanced Materials, offering industry exposure and support.

The leading international startup competition in the world of Composites and Advanced Materials, offering industry exposure and support.

Why Apply?

JEC Composites Startup Booster is a competition for entrepreneurs, startups, and academic spinoffs developing projects in composites and advanced materials. It covers categories like Products, Materials, Processes, Manufacturing and Equipment. Participants benefit from international visibility, engage with major industry stakeholders, present their solutions to leading decision-makers, and boost their growth within the global composites and advanced materials landscape.

Who can apply?

  • Entrepreneurs and Startups

    Open to entrepreneurs, startups, and academic spinoffs developing innovative projects in the field of composites and advanced materials.

  • Focus Areas

    Applicants should be working on projects related to composites and advanced materials, in the fields of:

    • Raw Materials 
    • Semi-finished materials
    • Manufacturing processes
    • Equipment
    • Digital tools and smart services
    • Circularity and recycling solutions

  • Eligibility Criteria

    Startups must fill the following criteria:

    1. Available to attend JEC World 2026 (10-12 March) if selected
    2. Business ready: already launched or in beta
    3. 10 years of existence maximum
    4. 30 employees maximum
    5. 30M€ funding maximum

Timeline

  • June 2 – Applications open
  • October 27 – Applications deadline
  • January 12 – 20 Finalists announced during the JEC World 2026 Premiere
  • March 10 – Finalists pitches
  • March 11 – 3 Winners announced at the Startup Booster Awards Ceremony

Benefits

  • Exhibit at the Startup Village

    20 finalists receive a dedicated space within the Startup Village at JEC World, allowing them to showcase their products and services to a global audience of industry professionals.

  • Gain Online and Media Visibility

    Participants benefit from increased exposure through JEC's official website, press releases, email campaigns, and social media channels, enhancing their visibility within the composites industry.

    Pitch sessions are broadcasted on JEC Composites Web TV, providing additional exposure to a wider audience interested in composites and advanced materials.

  • Receive Personalized Pitch Coaching

    Finalists are provided with personalized coaching to refine their pitches, ensuring they effectively communicate their innovations during the competition.

  • Pitch & access to Jury Members, Investors and Industry Leaders

    Selected startups have the opportunity to present their innovations to a jury comprising experts from leading companies such as Airbus, Owens Corning and ExxonMobil, 

    Startups also gain direct access to jury members and partners of the Startup Booster, facilitating valuable connections and potential collaborations.

  • Participate in the JEC Investor Day

    The selected startups get the opportunity to participate in the JEC Investor Day. Through 1-to-1 meetings, startups meet with leading investors from organizations investing in advanced materials and composites.

  • Be Among the Three Startup Booster Winners

    Three startups are awarded by the jury during the Startup Booster Awards Ceremony:

    1. Startup Booster – Grand Winner
    2. Startup Booster – Runner-up
    3. Startup Booster – Sustainability Award