MORGANTON, N.C. — December 17, 2025 — When the National Science Foundation invested in The Textile Innovation Engine in early 2024, it was a bet on what this region could become. Nearly two years later, the results are taking shape. Research, industry, education, and community are moving toward a shared goal: rebuilding America’s textile future.
The numbers tell part of the story. Behind each one are researchers testing new materials, teachers updating curriculum, manufacturers collaborating where they once competed, and students finding paths they didn’t know existed.
This is what progress looks like when a region decides to build something together.
Textile Innovation Engine Key Performance Indicators 2024‑2025
Research & Development
- FIBR‑Tech Fund (new applicants): 33
- Funded Projects: 28
- Patents (in progress): 6
- Publications (published or in process): 10
- New Universities (added to the Ecosystem): 4
Translation / Commercialization
- Working Groups (formed and Consortia scoped): 2
- Letters of Intent( from brands to join Consortia): 12
- Standards (1 in review, 1 published): 2
Workforce Development
- Students Enrolled (for each semester across NC high schools with the new textile curriculum content): 2.5k
- Teachers Career & Technical Teachers trained and supported: 85
- Interactive Career Roadmap Users: 708
- Job‑related Clicks: 12k
- Resources Created (for instructors): 106
- Customized Trainings (for workers): 200
Regional Engagement
- Engine Relationships (mapped): 564
- People informed (and engaged): 8.5k
- Patents (in progress): 30
- Academic Presentations (invited): 8
Leveraged Resources
- Leveraged (from philanthropic, state, federal and industry partners): $70M
Governance
- Governance Board (active members): 9
- Advisory Board (active members): 30
The Textile Innovation Engine
The North Carolina Textile Innovation and Sustainability Engine is dedicated to fostering cutting‑edge research and driving advancements in textile science, sustainability, and innovation. Through partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders, and research organizations, The Textile Innovation Engine aims to shape the future of fiber‑based technologies.
For more information visit: https://textileinnovationengine.org
Posted: January 3, 2026
Source: The Textile Innovation Engine
