The JEC Experience Composites which gathered many organisations of the composite world, took place between the 21st and 23rd Septembre in Augsburg, Germany. Industrial companies and research institutions, representing the whole composite market value chain, were present. Furthermore, end-users from all industries took part in the event (aerospace, automotive, transport, building and wind energy industries), as well as pre-selected startups !

COBRATEX together with 11 other startups, was selected to present its company. This was the perfect opportunity for a first introduction to the market. It was the very first time we had a stand to exhibit our innovation, our bamboo reinforcements, composite samples and final products using our bamboo fibre reinforcements. Our stand attracted the attention of many visitors ; our products were greatly appreciated and over 60% of the contacts made during the event will most probably result in a collaboration. As a conclusion, our coming out was a great success !

In addition to this good news, COBRATEX received the 1st Startup Awards prize. This price was shared with CEVOTEC Gmbh with whom we may start a business relationship very shortly. This prestigious prize is, first of all, a real recognition from the entire market ; it acknowledges the quality of our reinforcements, their advantages and the fact that they correspond to industry’s needs and regulations.

The jury that handed out the awards were composed of high-level profiles :

• Frédérique Mutel, JEC Group CEO
• Prof. Klaus Drechsler, Director of the Technical University of Munich (TUM)
• Dr. Christian Suttner, Senior Advisor at Starburst Accelerator
• Dr. Christian Weimer, Head of Operations – Composites Technology at Airbus Group
• Dr. Gerd Wingelfeld, CTO at SGL Carbon
• Wolfgang Hehl, CEO at Augsburg Innovationspark

It is Dr. Christian Weimer, head of Operations – Composites Technology at Airbus Group, himself, who gave us our prize with a remarkable announcement. In just a few words, bamboo in Airbus’ airplanes, hence modern aircrafts, may happen in the close future !

We would like to thank :

• The event’s organisation team, as this JEC Experience Composite will stay an important event in COBRATEX’ history.
• The jury, to have given us the opportunity to have a stand during the event and to have selected us to win the challenge.
• All the participants, for their interest in our products, their comments, their recommendations and collaboration opportunities that will grow from our first discussions.

As a conclusion, we would like to put forward that all our achievements are the result of hard work and commitments. This reward is not only ours: Associates, partners, sub-contractors, family and friends, you can consider it yours too !

BAMBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !