Future 10 isn’t a competition. It’s recognition.
Ten ideas. Ten opportunities. What’s next for composites?
Some of the most important developments in composites won’t come from doing more of what we already know.
They will come from new materials, new technologies, new processes, new applications and people prepared to approach industry challenges differently.
Future 10 is ICS’s annual showcase of ten companies, technologies, research projects and ideas that the composites industry should be watching.
Selected by an industry panel, the Future 10 will be given an international platform to share what they are developing, why it matters and where it could take the industry next.
What are we looking for?
Future 10 isn’t restricted to a particular technology, company size or stage of development.
We want to discover ideas with the potential to challenge convention, solve real industry problems or open new opportunities for composites and advanced materials.
That could be:
- A new material or material system.
- A manufacturing or processing technology.
- A new application for composites.
- Research with real industrial potential.
- A technology tackling sustainability, cost, productivity or scalability.
- A new approach to an established industry challenge.
- Something we haven’t thought of yet.
If it could change what is possible with composites, we want to hear about it.
Who can apply?
Future 10 is open to the whole industry.
- Start-ups and scale-ups.
- SMEs and established manufacturers.
- Universities and research organisations.
- Spin-outs.
- Engineers and innovators.
You don’t need the biggest marketing budget or the most polished presentation. You need something worth talking about.
The Future 10 at ICS 2026
Ten submissions will be selected by an industry review panel to become the ICS Future 10 2026.
At the International Composites Summit, each will receive a focused ten-minute slot to introduce their technology, research or idea to the industry.
Five of the Future 10 will open the conference programme on Day One, with the remaining five opening Day Two.
There are no judges on the day and no overall winner.
Being selected is the recognition.
More than a ten-minute presentation
Future 10 is designed to create visibility beyond the conference stage.
Each of the ICS Future 10 will receive:
- A dedicated profile on the ICS website.
- A professionally produced video interview at ICS.
- Promotion through ICS communications and social media.
- Visibility within the ICS Innovation Hubs.
- Literature and QR-code promotion linking visitors directly to their Future 10 profile.
- Year-round opportunities to connect with the international ICS community.
Could you be one of the Future 10?
If you’re developing something the composites industry needs to know about, tell us.
Applications for the ICS Future 10 2026 are now open.
