Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry is facing growing pressure to move beyond low-cost, volume-based production and embrace innovation, product diversification and manufacturing efficiency to strengthen its position in global markets. Against this backdrop, the Textile Innovation Expo 2026 is set to bring together industry stakeholders, technology providers, global buyers and researchers to accelerate the country’s transition towards value-driven manufacturing.
Scheduled for November 12–14 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka, the expo is expected to showcase innovative products, advanced manufacturing technologies and sustainable solutions aimed at improving the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector.
The event’s objectives were highlighted at a press briefing held on October 12 at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, where industry leaders emphasized the importance of research, technological advancement and industry–academia collaboration in addressing emerging challenges.
Data from Eurostat presented during the briefing indicated that the average price per kilogram of Bangladeshi apparel in the European Union declined by 8.47% between January and July 2026, while Vietnam recorded an increase of 11.76% over the same period. The contrasting trends underscore the need for Bangladesh to improve product value, productivity and market positioning as manufacturing costs continue to rise and price pressures persist.
Engr. Md. Enayet Hossain, president of the Institution of Textile Engineers and Technologists (ITET) Bangladesh, highlighted the role of textile engineers in driving industrial transformation. He noted that approximately 15,000 engineers work across the industry, including more than 5,000 ITET members, and stressed that innovation must become an integral part of engineering practices to improve sustainability and overcome existing industry challenges.
Md. Abdul Hamid, president of the Bangladesh Garments Buying House Association (BGBA), emphasized the importance of strengthening domestic research and development capabilities and expanding product diversification. He particularly highlighted the potential of high-value jute products to create new export opportunities and support sustainable growth.
Engr. A.S.M. Hafizur Rahman Nixon, secretary general of ITET Bangladesh and a member of the TIE Steering Board, said that Bangladesh already possesses significant manufacturing capabilities and produces quality textile and apparel products. However, the country needs to communicate these strengths more effectively to international buyers to secure market recognition and prices that reflect the quality and value of its products.
Eng. Imran Kader Turjo, director of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), underscored the importance of research and development and stronger collaboration between industries and academic institutions. He also pointed to technology adoption and innovation as essential measures for improving competitiveness and reducing dependence on conventional resources, including natural gas.
Engr. Ehsanul Karim Kaiser, chairman of Textile Innovation Exchange (TIE) and executive chairman of Textile Today Innovation Hub (TTIH), described the expo as an initiative focused specifically on innovation-led products and solutions rather than conventional product displays. He called on media organizations to highlight the event’s significance and help communicate its value to the wider industry.
Organized by TIE, co-organized by Textile Innovation Center (TIC), and held in collaboration with ITET, with BKMEA and BGBA as associates, the expo will be implemented by TTIH. The initiative aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s position as an innovation-driven manufacturing destination and encourage a shift towards medium- and high-value market segments.
The exhibition will feature four dedicated theme zones covering Dyeing and Printing Innovation, Textile Materials Innovation, Garment Automation Innovation, and Green and Sustainable Technology Innovation. Factory Innovation Pavilions will enable manufacturers to demonstrate productivity-enhancing practices, technological improvements and sustainability initiatives developed at the factory level.
An Open Innovation Area will bring together researchers, universities, startups, innovators and factory engineers to present practical solutions to industry challenges. The programme will also include six technical seminars addressing sustainability management, emerging fibres, digital product passports, traceability, textile recycling, productivity and energy conservation. A plenary seminar will focus on “Strategy for Systemic Innovation Implementation.”
Organizers expect approximately 50 textile, apparel and accessories factories and 200 technology and solution providers to participate as exhibitors. The event is also projected to attract around 5,000 visitors, including representatives of 100 brands and buyers, alongside more than 200 international delegates from over 30 countries.
A major feature of the expo will be the Textile Innovation Award 2026, which will recognize organizations and individuals contributing to factory-level innovation, technological advancement, product development and sustainable management. The award will cover eight categories: Process Innovation, Manufacturing Innovation, Technology, Product Development, Marketing and Market Development, Environmental Sustainability, Social Sustainability, and HR and Organizational Development. Final category details and winners will be announced after the designated evaluation and selection process.
TIE was inaugurated by Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on May 16, 2026. Its implementation arm, TTIH, has undertaken more than 270 innovation projects across over 80 factories during the past seven years, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote innovation within the textile and apparel industry.
Through the upcoming expo, organizers aim to connect manufacturers with technology providers, buyers and research institutions, encouraging practical innovation, improved resource efficiency and the development of higher-value products for international markets.
Registration for exhibitors and visitors is available at textileinnovationexpo.com
