The Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Materials Technology (ITM) at TU Dresden marked a historic milestone on June 10th with a grand celebration of its 100th anniversary. A festive colloquium followed by an elegant evening event brought together more than 400 guests from academia, industry, politics, and civil society, making it a memorable highlight in the instituteโs centennial year.
The occasion commemorated ITMโs remarkable journey from its founding to its current status as a global leader in textile and high-performance materials research. The event began with a formal colloquium that revisited ITMโs legacy while emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of textile machinery and material technologies.
Honoring a Century of Innovation
Speakers representing national and international institutions delivered keynote addresses that traced ITMโs evolution over the past century. The speeches illuminated how the institute transitioned from its modest roots to become a beacon of innovation in cutting-edge fields like fiber-reinforced composites, smart textiles, bio-based materials, and digital textile manufacturing.
The program also reflected on ITMโs collaborative spirit, showcasing its integration into national and international research and technology transfer networks. Particular emphasis was placed on current and future research topicsโsustainability in textile processes, circular economy applications, AI-driven material development, and energy-efficient production technologies.
โThis centennial celebration is not only a tribute to our past achievements but also a call to boldly step into the next 100 years of textile innovation. Our success is rooted in collaborationโwith our academic peers, industry partners, and society.โ
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Chokri Cherif, Director of ITM
An Evening of Reflection and Celebration
As the sun set over Dresden, the festivities transitioned to a sophisticated evening gala. The event offered a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere for networking, discussion, and celebration. Guests enjoyed live music, gourmet food, and a stylish ambiance that honored both ITMโs legacy and its ambitious vision for the future.
The evening also featured a photo exhibition capturing key moments from ITMโs history and a digital showcase of its ongoing projects. Attendees exchanged stories and experiences, reinforcing the strong community that has supported ITM’s growth over generations.
A Legacy of Global Collaboration
Over the years, ITM has built enduring partnerships with leading institutions and industries worldwide. This centennial celebration reflected not only the instituteโs achievements but also the broad international network it has cultivated. Guests from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas testified to ITMโs influence in advancing textile science and education on a global scale.
The success of the celebration was made possible by the dedicated efforts of ITM staff, students, alumni, and collaborators. In closing, the organizing committee extended heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed:
โWe thank every speaker, guest, sponsor, and team member who played a part in making this day unforgettable. The warmth, enthusiasm, and shared purpose displayed throughout the day affirm our collective commitment to shaping the next chapter of textile innovation.โ
About ITM โ TU Dresden
Founded in 1925, the Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Materials Technology (ITM) is a globally recognized center for research and development in textile technologies, fiber composites, and advanced materials. Part of TU Dresden, one of Germanyโs prestigious universities, ITM is committed to innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary education.
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