Smartex, a Portuguese startup founded in 2018, focuses on reducing textile waste using artificial intelligence. The company integrates camera and computer vision technology into textile machinery to automate flaw detection, aiming to improve sustainability and yield in textile production. Smartex has raised approximately $30.2 million from investors, including Amazon, H&M Group, Tony Fadell's Build Collective, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. The startup is headquartered in Porto, Portugal, and was co-founded by Gilberto Loureiro, Antonio Rocha, and Mario Cunha.
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Founding Date | 2018 |
Headquarters | Porto, Portugal |
Founders | Gilberto Loureiro, Antonio Rocha, Mario Cunha |
Revenue | Confidential |
Profits | Confidential |
Key Investors | Lightspeed Venture Partners, Build Collective, H&M Group, Amazon |
Industry | Textile Technology |
Number of Employees | 97 |
Smartex was born out of a deep understanding and personal connection to the textile industry. Co-founder Gilberto Loureiro, having spent his early years in textile factories, recognized the inefficiencies of manual fabric inspection, which led to substantial waste. Loureiro's vision for automating this process through AI and machine learning took shape after earning a Master’s degree in physics. He joined forces with Antonio Rocha and Mario Cunha, combining expertise in technology and textiles to create Smartex. Recognizing the industry’s unaddressed technological needs, the founders focused on developing a robust AI solution capable of real-time flaw detection in fabrics, eliminating waste and enhancing production efficiency.
Smartex positions itself as a leader in AI-driven textile inspection technology. The startup utilizes machine vision to identify defects during fabric production, significantly reducing waste. This technology halts production instantaneously upon detecting errors, preventing defective fabrics from continuing through the production line.
Smartex currently operates at the intersection of technology and textiles, aiming to transform traditional manufacturing processes through digital solutions. The company leverages high-tech cameras and AI to ensure high precision in defect detection. Their products increase yield efficiency and reduce material wastage, offering a return on investment through cost savings in raw materials and operational efficiency. By expanding into economically significant regions like Asia, Smartex is positioning itself as a pivotal force in the push for a more sustainable global textile industry.
Smartex's innovative approach to reducing textile waste stands out in an industry notorious for its environmental impact. With substantial backing from high-profile investors and partnerships with major retailers, the company is well-positioned to drive significant change. By expanding into major textile hubs globally, Smartex aims not only to enhance sustainability efforts but also to set industry standards for efficiency and environmental responsibility. As it continues to develop its technology and market reach, Smartex is poised to play a crucial role in redefining the future of textile manufacturing.