AITEX (Textile Industry Research Association) was set up in 1985 as an initiative of the Valencian Regional Government, through the Valencian Institute for Small and Medium Industry (IMPIVA). It is currently the leading centre for research, innovation and advanced technical services available to the textile, manufacturing and technical textile sectors.

AITEX is a private non-profit association that encompasses textile and textile-related companies. Its ultimate aim is to make this sector more competitive. To achieve this, the Institute promotes modernisation and the introduction of new and emerging technologies by developing R&D projects and, in general, any initiatives that will contribute to the industrial progress of the sector.