In 2024, with over 11.5 billion dollars in exports, the textile sector is taking action to increase its global market share, boost value-added exports, and elevate the brand perception of the Turkish textile sector to a higher level with its innovative textile industry. In this context, the Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters' Association (İTHİB), the umbrella organization for Türkiye's textile and raw materials exports, is carrying out many projects within the framework of these goals. Among the sector's projects, the development of the sector's perception of design and innovation is a top priority.
Projects are being carried out by İTHİB to support young designers, develop global design perception and perspectives, create new projects applicable to the industry, and ensure the use of project outputs in the industry. The Istanbul İTHİB International Fabric Design Competition has been organized, by the Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters' Association (İTHİB) for 19 years, continues its activities under the brand name FUTURETEX ISTANBUL as of 2022.
Futuretex Istanbul Fabric Design Contest is an international competition. The competition aims to enhance designers' design capabilities, provide designers with the opportunity to closely follow global trends and develop their perspectives, and offer participants the chance to "learn on the job"; thereby raising the perception of fabric design in the Turkish textile sector and addressing the need for qualified designers.