The National Science Foundation (NSF) Textile Innovation Engine is using advanced technology and new, skills-based training programs to revitalize textile research, development, and production in the U.S. southeast.
Textiles touch nearly every aspect of daily life, from apparel and home furnishing to wound care, medical implants, protective gear, and smart fabrics for national defense. Yet most textile manufacturing happens overseas - making America dependent on foreign nations for critical textile needs.
The Textile Innovation Engine is changing that. With extensive partnerships spanning the manufacturing, research, education, and government sectors, the NSF Engine is leveraging advances in AI, circular textile technology, and market demand to build creative solutions that de-risk textile investments and deliver in-market impact. At the same time, their robust workforce development and business support resources are creating new opportunities for local students and workers - building the next generation of textile jobs and durable, community-rooted wealth.
Lead organization: The Industrial Commons.
Region of service: All counties in North Carolina with additional counties of South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia that have established textile supply chain entities.
NSF award: NSF-2315305
