Power from clothes, BetterGroup raises, Nike 3D Printed Air Max 1000
Researchers develop 3D printed polymers that harvest energy; BetterGroup raises €2.1m for AI fashion shoot software; Nike and Zellerfeld launch a 3D printed Air Max 1000
3D-printed smart textiles turn everyday clothing into wearable power sources
Researchers at Atlantic Technological University have developed a method for directly 3D printing polymers onto conductive fabrics, creating flexible textiles that harvest energy from human motion. Using low-cost materials and standard 3D printers, the team built triboelectric nanogenerators capable of powering LEDs, charging devices, and even sensing touch in real time. The printed textiles held up under thousands of use cycles and washing, pointing to real-world wearability.
Why it matters: This breakthrough moves wearable tech closer to energy autonomy, enabling garments that don't just monitor or connect, but power themselves through the simple act of being worn.
Ada Shaikhnag
BetterGroup raises €2.1M to scale AI-powered fashion and headshot photography
Belgian startup BetterGroup has raised €2.1 million in seed funding to expand its AI-driven photography platforms, BetterPic (for headshots) and BetterStudio (for fashion and product shoots). Profitable since launch and already projecting $3.2 million in revenue, BetterGroup’s tools dramatically cut the cost and time of traditional photo shoots by using AI-generated images, including verified AI twins that ethically replicate real models. Backed by fashion and tech leaders, the company positions its tech not as a model replacement, but as a way to democratize access to high-quality visuals across the industry.
Why it matters: As fashion seeks faster, more flexible content creation, BetterPic’s blend of realism, scalability, and ethical design is gaining traction as a serious alternative to costly studio shoots.
Vishal Singh
Nike and Zellerfeld launch fully 3D-printed Air Max 1000 sneaker
Zellerfeld has officially launched the Nike Air Max 1000 on its platform, marking a major milestone for 3D-printed footwear. The release showcases how additive manufacturing can bring iconic sneaker designs to life with no molds, glue, or traditional assembly.
Why it matters: This collaboration signals a turning point in how performance footwear can be designed, produced, and personalized, merging Nike’s brand power with Zellerfeld’s boundary-pushing tech to redefine what a sneaker can be.
NIKE