National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

James Donlon

Program Director

Sean L. Jones

Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Ben Schrag Ph.D

Program Director and Policy Liaison, SBIR / STTR

Past deals in Textiles

Rubi Laboratories

Grant in 2021
Rubi Laboratories develops technology that manufactures carbon-negative textile. It uses sustainable solutions to turn carbon emission into natural fibers. Rubi Laboratories is based in California, USA.

Insectapel

Grant in 2021
InsectaPel specializes in biobased insect repellent products designed for textiles, focusing on providing effective solutions to prevent blood-sucking insects from biting humans. The company’s innovative extended-release technology enhances the functionality of fabrics, ensuring long-lasting protection while adhering to regulatory standards. By offering sustainable and cost-effective alternatives, InsectaPel aims to transform the market for insect repellents, addressing both consumer needs and public health concerns related to insect-borne diseases.
TruSpin uses a breakthrough A/C electrospinning process to affordably mass-produce compositions of nanofibers that are difficult or impossible to make using pre-existing methods. Right now, TruSpin is using these nanofibers as an additive to the chemicals that go inside batteries for a tremendous increase in energy density.

Huue

Grant in 2021
Huue, formerly known as Tinctorium Inc., is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, specializing in sustainable indigo dyeing solutions for the textile and fashion industry. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes a unique technology that mimics natural plant processes within microbes to produce indigo dye. This innovative approach significantly reduces chemical usage in the denim supply chain, offering an environmentally friendly alternative for denim production. By harnessing the power of biotechnology, Huue aims to provide the fashion industry with sustainable coloring options that rely on renewable resources, contributing to a more eco-conscious approach in textile manufacturing.

Barley & Britches

Grant in 2021
Barley & Britches is a clothing company based in New York, United States, specializing in handcrafted garments designed for an active lifestyle. The company emphasizes quality through the use of premium canvas cotton and double-enforced stitching, ensuring durability and comfort. Their intelligently ventilated designs cater to customers seeking modern and versatile clothing options that support both functionality and style.

Natural Fiber Welding

Grant in 2021
Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of innovative fabrics and materials, utilizing technology that transforms plants and natural fibers into durable textiles and products. Founded in 2015 and based in Peoria, Illinois, the company focuses on harnessing renewable resources to create sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. By leveraging abundant local resources, Natural Fiber Welding aims to develop scalable solutions that are accessible to diverse communities, enhancing the quality and usability of their products while minimizing processing costs. The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation positions it as a leader in the movement toward environmentally friendly materials.

Nextiles

Grant in 2021
Nextiles is a New York-based company founded in 2019 that specializes in smart apparel technology, merging athletic clothing with an advanced analytics system to enhance exercise performance and safety. The company innovatively integrates electrically conductive fibers into fabrics using a patented sewing technology, allowing for the development of wearables that include motion sensors directly within the apparel. This unique approach enables the creation of responsive and adaptive devices, providing valuable insights into an individual's movement patterns. With a strong foundation in electrical engineering and circuit design, Nextiles offers its expertise to businesses looking to develop or enhance their own Internet of Things (IoT) and smart device products.

Soliyarn

Grant in 2020
Developer of sustainable textile finishing technologies intended to reduce pollution in the textile industry. The company's platform utilizes chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and organic polymers to create functional fabrics with conductivity, water repellency, and dyeing capabilities, all without using water or harmful chemicals, enabling the textile industry to make eco-friendly clothing with improved performance and reduced environmental impact.

CrossLink Composites

Grant in 2020
Crosslink Composites develops a tailor-made carbon fiber technology for a wide range of new industrial applications. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Harriman, Tennessee.

PhotoCide Protection

Grant in 2020
PhotoCide Protection develops self-disinfecting materials such fabrics, plastics, and coatings based on a disruptive technology that combines engineered cellulose (NFC) with photosensitizers (PS, compounds that react with room light and oxygen from the air) to emit an environmentally-friendly biocidal agent called ‘singlet’ oxygen that simultaneously destroys a wide range of harmful pathogens on surfaces.

Boston Materials

Seed Round in 2020
Boston Materials, Inc. is a materials science company based in Bedford, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. The company specializes in manufacturing 3D reinforced carbon fiber pre-pregs, including its innovative Carbon Supercomposite, which is magnetically assembled. Boston Materials' products cater to various industries, including aerospace, automotive, marine, wind energy, and sports equipment, as well as general purpose applications. The company's focus on developing high-strength composites positions it at the forefront of advanced material technology.

Tailored Alloys

Grant in 2020
Tailored Alloys, established in 2018 and located in Horizon City, Texas, specializes in the production of alloy rings specifically designed to alleviate the discomfort associated with fat knuckles. The company's rings are crafted from non-corrosive, biocompatible metal, ensuring durability and comfort for lifelong use. This innovative approach allows customers to wear rings that are less likely to become stuck, addressing a common issue faced by many individuals.

Huue

Grant in 2019
Huue, formerly known as Tinctorium Inc., is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, specializing in sustainable indigo dyeing solutions for the textile and fashion industry. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes a unique technology that mimics natural plant processes within microbes to produce indigo dye. This innovative approach significantly reduces chemical usage in the denim supply chain, offering an environmentally friendly alternative for denim production. By harnessing the power of biotechnology, Huue aims to provide the fashion industry with sustainable coloring options that rely on renewable resources, contributing to a more eco-conscious approach in textile manufacturing.

unspun

Grant in 2019
Unspun, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in the production of customized jeans using advanced body scanning technology and fit algorithms. Founded in 2015, Unspun aims to revolutionize the apparel industry by reducing global carbon emissions through automated and localized manufacturing processes. The company offers a B2B software platform that enables digital customization for various large apparel brands. Recognized for its innovation, Unspun's technology was featured in TIME's list of Best Inventions of 2019. The company is supported by several notable investors and is actively working on the future of additive and automated apparel production, positioning itself as a leader in the quest for sustainable fashion.
Chromatic 3D Materials specializes in developing advanced 3D printing materials that enhance the durability and functionality of manufactured goods. The company focuses on an additive manufacturing platform that produces robust rubber parts using innovative elastomer materials, including polyurethanes. This technology employs reactive extrusion additive manufacturing, which leverages chemical reactions to create industrial-strength elastomeric components. As a result, manufacturers gain access to materials that exhibit adaptability, resilience, flexibility, and sustainability, allowing for a wide range of novel product designs. Chromatic 3D Materials aims to transform the landscape of 3D printing by providing the necessary materials for creating durable and functional designs.

Stony Creek Colors

Grant in 2018
Stony Creek Colors, Inc. is a manufacturer of bio-based colorants specifically designed for the textile industry. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Springfield, Tennessee, the company specializes in producing plant-based dyes, including indigo, in collaboration with small farmers in the Southeast United States. By focusing on environmentally friendly alternatives, Stony Creek Colors aims to provide clean and safe natural dyes that replace hazardous chemicals traditionally used in textile supply chains. This approach not only supports sustainable practices in the industry but also enables textile and fashion brands to offer consumers environmentally conscious premium products.

unspun

Grant in 2018
Unspun, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in the production of customized jeans using advanced body scanning technology and fit algorithms. Founded in 2015, Unspun aims to revolutionize the apparel industry by reducing global carbon emissions through automated and localized manufacturing processes. The company offers a B2B software platform that enables digital customization for various large apparel brands. Recognized for its innovation, Unspun's technology was featured in TIME's list of Best Inventions of 2019. The company is supported by several notable investors and is actively working on the future of additive and automated apparel production, positioning itself as a leader in the quest for sustainable fashion.

Ambercycle

Grant in 2018
Ambercycle is a chemical technology company focused on creating a closed-loop ecosystem for apparel by converting end-of-life textiles into new yarns. The company's innovative recycling technology transforms complex textile waste into a polymer powder, facilitating the recycling process and making it more cost-effective. This approach allows apparel businesses to produce and market clothing using renewable feedstocks, thereby reducing waste and contributing to environmental sustainability. By addressing the challenges associated with textile waste, Ambercycle aims to promote a more sustainable fashion industry.

Boston Materials

Grant in 2018
Boston Materials, Inc. is a materials science company based in Bedford, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. The company specializes in manufacturing 3D reinforced carbon fiber pre-pregs, including its innovative Carbon Supercomposite, which is magnetically assembled. Boston Materials' products cater to various industries, including aerospace, automotive, marine, wind energy, and sports equipment, as well as general purpose applications. The company's focus on developing high-strength composites positions it at the forefront of advanced material technology.
Chromatic 3D Materials specializes in developing advanced 3D printing materials that enhance the durability and functionality of manufactured goods. The company focuses on an additive manufacturing platform that produces robust rubber parts using innovative elastomer materials, including polyurethanes. This technology employs reactive extrusion additive manufacturing, which leverages chemical reactions to create industrial-strength elastomeric components. As a result, manufacturers gain access to materials that exhibit adaptability, resilience, flexibility, and sustainability, allowing for a wide range of novel product designs. Chromatic 3D Materials aims to transform the landscape of 3D printing by providing the necessary materials for creating durable and functional designs.

Ambercycle

Grant in 2017
Ambercycle is a chemical technology company focused on creating a closed-loop ecosystem for apparel by converting end-of-life textiles into new yarns. The company's innovative recycling technology transforms complex textile waste into a polymer powder, facilitating the recycling process and making it more cost-effective. This approach allows apparel businesses to produce and market clothing using renewable feedstocks, thereby reducing waste and contributing to environmental sustainability. By addressing the challenges associated with textile waste, Ambercycle aims to promote a more sustainable fashion industry.

unspun

Grant in 2017
Unspun, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in the production of customized jeans using advanced body scanning technology and fit algorithms. Founded in 2015, Unspun aims to revolutionize the apparel industry by reducing global carbon emissions through automated and localized manufacturing processes. The company offers a B2B software platform that enables digital customization for various large apparel brands. Recognized for its innovation, Unspun's technology was featured in TIME's list of Best Inventions of 2019. The company is supported by several notable investors and is actively working on the future of additive and automated apparel production, positioning itself as a leader in the quest for sustainable fashion.
Developer of a textile visualization and manufacturing software created for designers to have easy access to textile manufacturing. The company's software offers a Web application and manufacturing process that enables anyone to transform design ideas into intricately patterned woven cloth, one yard or 100 yards at once, enabling textile manufacturing industry to access advanced 3D rendering tools which has become an essential part of the market for printed textiles, to a new higher-value segment for professional applications.

DexMat

Grant in 2016
Manufacturer of carbon nanotube fibers intended to offer high-performance lightweight carbon nanotube conductors to its clients. The company's services mainly focus on processing low-defect, single-walled, and few-walled carbon nanotubes into fibers and yarns, and offers products like carbon nanotube wire, rope, tape, film, enabling clients to avail a supplement of heavy, rigid metals in cables used in the aerospace, wearable electronics, and medical device markets and have lighter, stronger and more flexible alternative than metal wires.

Stony Creek Colors

Grant in 2016
Stony Creek Colors, Inc. is a manufacturer of bio-based colorants specifically designed for the textile industry. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Springfield, Tennessee, the company specializes in producing plant-based dyes, including indigo, in collaboration with small farmers in the Southeast United States. By focusing on environmentally friendly alternatives, Stony Creek Colors aims to provide clean and safe natural dyes that replace hazardous chemicals traditionally used in textile supply chains. This approach not only supports sustainable practices in the industry but also enables textile and fashion brands to offer consumers environmentally conscious premium products.

DiPole Materials

Grant in 2016
DiPole Materials is an electrospinning company that manufactures nanofiber for a range of industry needs.

Atacama

Grant in 2016
Atacama specializes in advanced microfluidic moisture-control technology designed for integration with various textile types, including knits, wovens, and nonwovens. This innovative moisture control system channels sweat through specially engineered fabric structures, effectively managing moisture and improving comfort. By mimicking the natural properties of human skin, Atacama's technology enhances the breathability and lightweight characteristics of textile products, resulting in dryer and more comfortable wearables. This breakthrough positions Atacama as a leader in the development of functional textiles that prioritize user comfort and performance.

Electroloom

Grant in 2015
Our electrospinning process, dubbed Field Guided Fabrication, makes it possible to create 3D fabrics. A close analog to 3D printing, our manufacturing method enables lightweight, seamless fabrics to be created at the touch of a button. Electroloom's Field Guided Fabrication is a platform technology capable creating articles of clothing, tissue engineering scaffolds, filters, and much more.

Vistex Composites

Grant in 2015
Vistex Composites is a manufacturing innovation company based in Schenectady, New York, specializing in advanced thermoset and thermoplastic composite products. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on creating sustainable products that minimize manufacturing waste while maintaining equivalent strength, dimensional tolerances, and aesthetics. By employing digital modeling and proprietary optimization algorithms, Vistex Composites enhances the design of its patented fabrication process, allowing clients to produce complex components without relying on extensive heat, vacuum, or autoclave systems.

Textician

Grant in 2015
Textician is commercializing a patented breakthrough in machine learning on unstructured text. Called NoNLP(tm) technology, it outperforms both Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Deep Learning in some common use cases. Initial applications are in healthcare IT, specifically ICD-10 coding as a part of RCM applications, delivered either on-premises or via the cloud. In the latter case, no raw PHI is sent to or processed in the cloud, creating a uniquely secure service.

TriboTEX

Grant in 2015
TriboTEX is a synthetic nanomaterial that reverses wear in your engine. TriboTEX is made from ceramic material inert to the environment. TriboTEX reduces your cars petrol consumption, prolongs the life of your engine and helps to protect the atmosphere by reducing CO2 emissions.

Textician

Grant in 2015
Textician is commercializing a patented breakthrough in machine learning on unstructured text. Called NoNLP(tm) technology, it outperforms both Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Deep Learning in some common use cases. Initial applications are in healthcare IT, specifically ICD-10 coding as a part of RCM applications, delivered either on-premises or via the cloud. In the latter case, no raw PHI is sent to or processed in the cloud, creating a uniquely secure service.

Atacama

Grant in 2014
Atacama specializes in advanced microfluidic moisture-control technology designed for integration with various textile types, including knits, wovens, and nonwovens. This innovative moisture control system channels sweat through specially engineered fabric structures, effectively managing moisture and improving comfort. By mimicking the natural properties of human skin, Atacama's technology enhances the breathability and lightweight characteristics of textile products, resulting in dryer and more comfortable wearables. This breakthrough positions Atacama as a leader in the development of functional textiles that prioritize user comfort and performance.

STF Technologies

Grant in 2013
STF Technologies LLC develops and provides advanced materials and personal protective equipment for occupations that demand superior protection combined with the highest level of flexibility and comfort. STF Technologies was founded in 2013 by Dr. Richard Dombrowski and Dr. Norman Wagner.

Vistex Composites

Grant in 2013
Vistex Composites is a manufacturing innovation company based in Schenectady, New York, specializing in advanced thermoset and thermoplastic composite products. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on creating sustainable products that minimize manufacturing waste while maintaining equivalent strength, dimensional tolerances, and aesthetics. By employing digital modeling and proprietary optimization algorithms, Vistex Composites enhances the design of its patented fabrication process, allowing clients to produce complex components without relying on extensive heat, vacuum, or autoclave systems.

Textician

Grant in 2013
Textician is commercializing a patented breakthrough in machine learning on unstructured text. Called NoNLP(tm) technology, it outperforms both Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Deep Learning in some common use cases. Initial applications are in healthcare IT, specifically ICD-10 coding as a part of RCM applications, delivered either on-premises or via the cloud. In the latter case, no raw PHI is sent to or processed in the cloud, creating a uniquely secure service.

TriboTEX

Grant in 2013
TriboTEX is a synthetic nanomaterial that reverses wear in your engine. TriboTEX is made from ceramic material inert to the environment. TriboTEX reduces your cars petrol consumption, prolongs the life of your engine and helps to protect the atmosphere by reducing CO2 emissions.

Xanofi

Grant in 2013
Xanofi, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, specializing in the development and production of nanofibers from polymers. Founded in 2010, Xanofi has introduced a novel manufacturing platform that enhances the efficiency of nanofiber production, making it easier for various industries to integrate these advanced components into their products. This innovative approach positions Xanofi as a significant player in the global nanofiber market, transforming traditional manufacturing processes and offering enhanced solutions for diverse applications.

Cytex Therapeutics

Grant in 2013
Cytex Therapeutics was formed to develop and commercialize the tissue regeneration technology discoveries coming out of the lab of Dr. Farshid Guilak at Duke University. The original Cytex business plan received numerous innovation awards, including seed capital for the startup phase. Since its founding, Cytex has gone on to win numerous state and federal grants, each recognizing the novelty of the research and its enormous potential contribution to the clinical management of patients with osteoarthritis. The three Cytex co-founders form the core leadership of the company as it continues to develop its novel products.

Modern Meadow

Grant in 2012
Modern Meadow, LLC is a biofabrication company established in 2011 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. The company specializes in producing animal-free leather and other cultured products, such as meat alternatives, through innovative methods that eliminate the need for animal slaughter. By utilizing living cells and fermentation-based processes, Modern Meadow develops lightweight materials that provide superior color, performance, and durability, while also promoting lab-to-brand traceability. Their approach significantly reduces the inputs of land, water, energy, and chemicals, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This focus on sustainability enables customers to maintain the quality and appearance of materials without relying on petrochemical inputs or animal-derived substances.

Free Form Fibers

Grant in 2012
Free Form Fibers LLC engages in the development and manufacture of inorganic high-performance fibers. It offers filaments of various materials, including silicon carbide, boron carbide, hafnium carbide/tantalum carbide, amorphous boron, tungsten carbide, magnesium diboride, glassy carbon, diamond like carbon, single-crystal tungsten, boron nitride, titanium diboride, magnesium diboride, hafnium diboride, lanthanum hexaboride/cerium hexaboride, molybdenum carbide, and tungsten disulfide. The company offers its products for non-woven filters and catalysts, reinforcement of ceramic and metal matrix composites, woven and non-woven linings, lightweight structural reinforcement for composite materials, superconducting filaments, research and development, and scientific instrumentation applications. It serves customers in military and aerospace (turbo machinery, rockets, and advanced structures), automobile, biomedical, energy, and other industries. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is based in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Free Form Fibers

Grant in 2012
Free Form Fibers LLC engages in the development and manufacture of inorganic high-performance fibers. It offers filaments of various materials, including silicon carbide, boron carbide, hafnium carbide/tantalum carbide, amorphous boron, tungsten carbide, magnesium diboride, glassy carbon, diamond like carbon, single-crystal tungsten, boron nitride, titanium diboride, magnesium diboride, hafnium diboride, lanthanum hexaboride/cerium hexaboride, molybdenum carbide, and tungsten disulfide. The company offers its products for non-woven filters and catalysts, reinforcement of ceramic and metal matrix composites, woven and non-woven linings, lightweight structural reinforcement for composite materials, superconducting filaments, research and development, and scientific instrumentation applications. It serves customers in military and aerospace (turbo machinery, rockets, and advanced structures), automobile, biomedical, energy, and other industries. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is based in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Bolt

Grant in 2012
Bolt Threads Inc. is a materials company based in Emeryville, California, founded in 2009. The company specializes in the manufacture of innovative fibers and fabrics, including its signature biofabricated silk fibers known as Microsilk. Utilizing proprietary technology and advanced bioengineering concepts, Bolt Threads develops next-generation performance fibers and fabrics aimed at enhancing quality, performance, and design in various sectors, including apparel, footwear, and beauty. The company focuses on sustainable practices by transforming textile waste into new products, positioning itself as a leader in environmentally responsible textile production.
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