Dornbirn GFC 2026 Concludes Successfully, Next Stop: China 2026/9/23 65 Years of the Fiber Congress in Dornbirn From 1962 to 2026, the Congress provided a platform where scientific breakthroughs, entrepreneurial ideas and pioneering technol
2026/9/23
65 Years of the Fiber Congress in Dornbirn
From 1962 to 2026, the Congress provided a platform where scientific breakthroughs, entrepreneurial ideas and pioneering technologies can gain visibility and momentum.
Dornbirn GFC is the meeting point for the international fiber industry: Founded in 1962, the Fiber Congress has built a strong bridge between science and industry. Renamed the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress in 2018, the event has become increasingly international. In 2026, about 250 companies were represented among over 400 participants from almost 30 countries to gather in Dornbirn to exchange knowledge, present innovations, and discuss the future of the fiber industry.
“For the first time in our 65-year history, Dornbirn GFC has a woman as Managing Director. Béatrice combines a deep understanding of science, technology and industry with something equally important: a belief in connecting people, because innovation happens when the right people find each other. I am very proud that she is leading the next chapter of Dornbirn GFC,” says Robert van de Kerkhof, President, Austrian Fibres Institute.
Dornbirn GFC: Connect, Create & Catalyse.
Three words that describe the Dornbirn GFC, and its role in bringing the global fiber community together to shape what comes next.
Connect: generations, countries and disciplines
For 65 years, Dornbirn has been the place where students, researchers, experts, professors and senior executives connect to solve industry-wide challenges.
Create: ideas, partnerships and solutions
The Dornbirn GFC creates the conditions for ideas, partnerships, and solutions by bringing together a diverse international community. Industry partners from the global fiber sector meet with universities, start-ups, business angels, brands, associations and other key players. This unique mix of perspectives creates an open environment for dialogue and collaboration: connecting established expertise with fresh ideas and new approaches.
Catalyse: turning innovation into impact
Since its foundation, the Dornbirn GFC has recognised and accelerated innovation in the fiber industry. The Dornbirn GFC is not only a place to present innovation; it is a place where ideas turn into concepts, R&D projects, scale-up and commercialization. Innovation connects with the people, partners and networks needed to move it forward.
Celebrating Outstanding People & Ideas
Innovation is driven by people. The Dornbirn GFC therefore places outstanding researchers, innovators and ideas at the center of its programme. Over the years, the Congress has created and supported initiatives that celebrate achievements and encourage the next generation of innovation, including the Paul Schlack Award, the Dornbirn GFC Thinkathon, Innovation Award and the Lenzing Young Scientist Award.
Award Winners
The winning team of the 1st Dornbirn GFC Thinkathon
The winning team of the first Dornbirn
