JEC Startup Booster 2026 winners represent digital data, nanofiber interfacing and circularity

Source | JEC World 2026

Winners of the JEC Composites Startup Booster 2026 were announced on March 11 at JEC World in Paris, recognizing the most promising emerging companies reshaping the future of composites and advanced materials.

Following two competitive pitch sessions, a jury of five senior industry and investment experts selected the following winning companies:

Grand winner: Soarce (U.S.)

Soarce is an advanced materials company developing high-performance nanofiber additives for fiber-reinforced composites. The bio-based technology strengthens the fiber-matrix interface, improving adhesion, durability and load transfer, reducing composite weight and cutting manufacturing costs. Designed to work within existing sizing lines, Soarce enables carbon fiber, fiberglass, recycled composite and other manufacturers to achieve higher performance, better material efficiency and more sustainable composite systems (read more about the technology).

Runner-up: Nebumind (Germany)

Nebumind supports fully data-driven production by turning complex production data into actionable insights. Its Anomaly Dashboard fuses machine and sensor data into a spatial digital twin, enabling real-time quality monitoring and fast root cause analysis. This reduces manual inspection, increases process transparency and accelerates machine optimization.

Sustainability winner: Plastalyst by AC Biode (Luxembourg)

Plastalyst says it recycles the most difficult wastes at low temperatures. More specifically, it decomposes only the polymer matrix at low temperatures and pressures. The company has already completed pilots with more than 35 companies. Due to regulations requiring recycling, the company sees strong demand from the automotive industry — its clients include Bosch, Daikyo Nishikawa and Toyota+Toyopet.

“The 2026 edition once again demonstrates the incredible creativity and technological excellence emerging from entrepreneurs around the world,” says Benjamin Debusschère, head of event programs, JEC.

Next year will mark the Startup Booster’s 10^th anniversary. Since its launch in 2017, the program has spotlighted more than 1,300 startup projects from over 60 countries, brought together 158 finalists and crowned 37 winners across editions held in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.

The competition is organized with the support of innovation partners Airbus, Proxxima (an ExxonMobil product) and Owens Corning.

Investor Day highlight

For the second consecutive year, JEC World also hosts a dedicated Investor Day on March 11, bringing together venture capitalists, some 50 startup founders and investors of all profiles for one-on-one meetings, show floor visits and exclusive networking sessions. The event gives investors — whether already active in the sector or exploring composites for the first time – privileged access to one of the most promising markets in advanced materials, while giving startups the opportunity to build the connections and secure the funding they need to scale.