National Science Foundation

Rubi Laboratories is a California-based company that specializes in the development of technology to manufacture carbon-negative textiles. The firm utilizes innovative sustainable solutions to convert carbon emissions into natural fibers, resulting in biodegradable textiles. Its technology directly synthesizes threads, providing a natural resource for the production of viscose that is carbon-negative, as well as being water-chemical, land-neutral, traceable, and environmentally friendly. Rubi Laboratories aims to address the environmental impact of textile manufacturing by offering a more sustainable alternative in the industry.

Regenerated Textile provide a circular economy with continuously renewable resources and an environmentally and socially responsible approach to clothing. They operate with an agile mentality, a neo-sustainable approach to design, and a consumer-facing mindset.

Rubi Laboratories is a California-based company that specializes in the development of technology to manufacture carbon-negative textiles. The firm utilizes innovative sustainable solutions to convert carbon emissions into natural fibers, resulting in biodegradable textiles. Its technology directly synthesizes threads, providing a natural resource for the production of viscose that is carbon-negative, as well as being water-chemical, land-neutral, traceable, and environmentally friendly. Rubi Laboratories aims to address the environmental impact of textile manufacturing by offering a more sustainable alternative in the industry.

InsectaPel is a company specializing in biobased insect repellent textiles. It develops and manufactures fabrics treated with its proprietary, long-lasting repellent technology, aiming to protect users from biting insects that may transmit diseases. The company focuses on creating cost-effective, sustainable solutions that meet regulatory compliance standards, thereby offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional repellents.

Huue is a company specializing in sustainable dyeing solutions for the fashion and textile industries, particularly focusing on the denim supply chain. It employs innovative biotechnology to produce bio-synthesized dyes through a fermentation process involving naturally occurring microorganisms. This method not only eliminates the need for toxic chemicals traditionally used in dye production but also utilizes renewable resources, making it an eco-friendly alternative. By offering greener options for color production, Huue aims to support the industry's transition towards more sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally responsible approach to fashion.

Barley & Britches is a New York-based clothing company specializing in handcrafted, durable garments designed for active lifestyles. Utilizing premium canvas cotton and intelligent ventilation, their products offer modern designs and versatility, catering to customers seeking high-quality, functional attire.

Quick-Med Technologies, Inc. is a life sciences company dedicated to developing and commercializing proprietary technologies aimed at infection prevention and control within the medical and consumer healthcare sectors. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, the company specializes in the research and development of biomedical products and devices with antibacterial applications. Its core technologies include NIMBUS, a family of advanced polymers with antimicrobial and hemostatic properties; Stay Fresh, a chemical formulation for textiles that provides durable antimicrobial protection; and MultiStat, a series of patented methods and compounds for skin therapy. Quick-Med serves a variety of clients, including government agencies and companies in healthcare, medical, apparel, textile, and personal care industries.

Natural Fiber Welding, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Peoria, Illinois, specializes in the manufacture and supply of sustainable fabrics and materials derived from natural fibers. The company has developed a circularity platform that produces high-performance, plastic-free materials from plants, which are applicable across various industries, including fashion, footwear, automotive, and upholstery. By integrating its innovative technology into existing supply chains, Natural Fiber Welding enables brands to design and scale environmentally friendly products, thereby promoting sustainability in material usage.

Spira develops algae-based ingredients and natural pigments to replace petrochemicals and animal-derived compounds. By engineering microalgae, including spirulina, it produces food-safe dyes and industrial ingredients used across food, cosmetics, and textiles. Spira focuses on sustainable, regenerative alternatives to petroleum-based products to reduce environmental impact while supporting human and planetary health.

Soliyarn is a company that specializes in developing sustainable textile finishing technologies aimed at reducing pollution in the textile industry. Utilizing chemical vapor deposition technology and organic polymers, Soliyarn transforms ordinary fabrics into ultrathin, electrically conductive, and waterproof textiles. This innovative approach enhances textiles with advanced functionalities such as heating, sensing, and water repellency, all while maintaining the garment's feel, breathability, comfort, and performance. Crucially, Soliyarn's processes do not utilize water or harmful chemicals, allowing for the production of eco-friendly clothing that improves performance and minimizes environmental impact.

Huue is a company specializing in sustainable dyeing solutions for the fashion and textile industries, particularly focusing on the denim supply chain. It employs innovative biotechnology to produce bio-synthesized dyes through a fermentation process involving naturally occurring microorganisms. This method not only eliminates the need for toxic chemicals traditionally used in dye production but also utilizes renewable resources, making it an eco-friendly alternative. By offering greener options for color production, Huue aims to support the industry's transition towards more sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally responsible approach to fashion.

Unspun, Inc. is a digital apparel company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. It specializes in creating custom jeans tailored to individual consumers using advanced body scanning technology, fit algorithms, and additive manufacturing. The company aims to address environmental challenges by minimizing pattern-cutting waste and unsold inventory, thus contributing to a reduction in global carbon emissions. Unspun's innovative approach enables on-demand production of jeans in under ten minutes, utilizing localized manufacturing processes designed to be zero-waste. Its technology has gained recognition, including being named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2019, and supports a B2B platform that facilitates digital customization for major apparel brands.

Stony Creek Colors, Inc. is a manufacturer of bio-based colorants specifically designed for the textile industry. Founded in 2012 by Sarah Bellos and based in Springfield, Tennessee, the company collaborates with small farmers in the Southeastern United States to produce plant-based dyes, including indigo. Stony Creek Colors aims to provide clean and safe alternatives to hazardous chemicals traditionally used in dyeing processes, supporting environmentally conscious practices within the textile and fashion industries. Through its innovative technology, the company enables mills and brands to offer premium products that prioritize sustainability and health.

Unspun, Inc. is a digital apparel company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. It specializes in creating custom jeans tailored to individual consumers using advanced body scanning technology, fit algorithms, and additive manufacturing. The company aims to address environmental challenges by minimizing pattern-cutting waste and unsold inventory, thus contributing to a reduction in global carbon emissions. Unspun's innovative approach enables on-demand production of jeans in under ten minutes, utilizing localized manufacturing processes designed to be zero-waste. Its technology has gained recognition, including being named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2019, and supports a B2B platform that facilitates digital customization for major apparel brands.

Ambercycle is a material science company focused on converting textile waste into fresh materials through chemical recycling. Its technology deconstructs complex end-of-life fabrics to yield a polymer powder that can be used to manufacture new yarns and textiles, enabling apparel brands to source renewable feedstocks and reduce waste. The company seeks to assemble discarded textiles into a centralized ecosystem and use molecular regeneration to recover components from fabrics, so regional and international players can reroute waste back into supply chains and advance circular textile flows.

Ambercycle is a material science company focused on converting textile waste into fresh materials through chemical recycling. Its technology deconstructs complex end-of-life fabrics to yield a polymer powder that can be used to manufacture new yarns and textiles, enabling apparel brands to source renewable feedstocks and reduce waste. The company seeks to assemble discarded textiles into a centralized ecosystem and use molecular regeneration to recover components from fabrics, so regional and international players can reroute waste back into supply chains and advance circular textile flows.

Unspun, Inc. is a digital apparel company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. It specializes in creating custom jeans tailored to individual consumers using advanced body scanning technology, fit algorithms, and additive manufacturing. The company aims to address environmental challenges by minimizing pattern-cutting waste and unsold inventory, thus contributing to a reduction in global carbon emissions. Unspun's innovative approach enables on-demand production of jeans in under ten minutes, utilizing localized manufacturing processes designed to be zero-waste. Its technology has gained recognition, including being named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2019, and supports a B2B platform that facilitates digital customization for major apparel brands.

Computational Textiles is a software development company specializing in design and visualization for the textile industry. It offers a web application that allows designers to easily access textile manufacturing, transforming their design concepts into intricately patterned woven cloth, regardless of order size. By creating a direct link between designers and manufacturers, the company enhances responsiveness to customer needs and market trends, facilitates higher volume ordering, and streamlines the prototyping process. Its advanced 3D rendering tools cater to the evolving demands of the printed textiles market, helping professionals elevate their applications to a higher-value segment.

DiPole Materials is an electrospinning company specializing in the manufacturing of nanofibers tailored for diverse applications. Its product offerings cater to sectors such as cell culture, tissue engineering, water filtration, and technical textiles. The company provides a platform for custom nanofiber manufacturing, enabling the creation of materials with controlled properties and formats that facilitate ease of handling. This capability allows researchers to utilize biologically derived materials to construct natural, three-dimensional environments that promote exceptional cell growth and viability. DiPole Materials focuses on meeting the specific needs of its clients by delivering innovative solutions in the field of nanofiber technology.

Stony Creek Colors, Inc. is a manufacturer of bio-based colorants specifically designed for the textile industry. Founded in 2012 by Sarah Bellos and based in Springfield, Tennessee, the company collaborates with small farmers in the Southeastern United States to produce plant-based dyes, including indigo. Stony Creek Colors aims to provide clean and safe alternatives to hazardous chemicals traditionally used in dyeing processes, supporting environmentally conscious practices within the textile and fashion industries. Through its innovative technology, the company enables mills and brands to offer premium products that prioritize sustainability and health.

Atacama specializes in developing innovative moisture-control technology for textiles. Their unique approach integrates advanced microfluidics directly into knits, wovens, and nonwoven fabrics. This technology mimics the natural processes of human skin to manipulate sweat, channeling it through the fabric to enhance breathability and reduce weight. The result is drier, lighter, and more comfortable products that effectively manage moisture.

PolyDrop develops conductive polymer additives for coatings, composites, and batteries. Originating at the University of Washington, its patented material science enables safe, stable, and affordable conductive polymers. The additives provide anti-static and anti-corrosion protection at low loading, enabling existing coatings and plastics to become static-dissipative in electronics, marine, textiles, flooring, and related applications. The technology has been integrated in electronics and coatings industries, transforming coatings and plastics into dissipative materials while maintaining performance and cost efficiency.

Electroloom is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in 3D printing services for fabrics, focusing primarily on the creation of customized, on-demand apparel such as T-shirts and sweaters. Founded in 2013, the company employs a proprietary electrospinning process known as Field Guided Fabrication, which allows for the production of lightweight, seamless fabrics. This innovative manufacturing method operates similarly to traditional 3D printing, enabling the creation of various fibrous articles, including clothing and tissue engineering scaffolds. By leveraging this technology, Electroloom aims to provide the clothing industry with unique materials that can enhance designers' collections and meet the evolving demands of consumers.

Atacama specializes in developing innovative moisture-control technology for textiles. Their unique approach integrates advanced microfluidics directly into knits, wovens, and nonwoven fabrics. This technology mimics the natural processes of human skin to manipulate sweat, channeling it through the fabric to enhance breathability and reduce weight. The result is drier, lighter, and more comfortable products that effectively manage moisture.

PolyDrop develops conductive polymer additives for coatings, composites, and batteries. Originating at the University of Washington, its patented material science enables safe, stable, and affordable conductive polymers. The additives provide anti-static and anti-corrosion protection at low loading, enabling existing coatings and plastics to become static-dissipative in electronics, marine, textiles, flooring, and related applications. The technology has been integrated in electronics and coatings industries, transforming coatings and plastics into dissipative materials while maintaining performance and cost efficiency.

Quick-Med Technologies, Inc. is a life sciences company dedicated to developing and commercializing proprietary technologies aimed at infection prevention and control within the medical and consumer healthcare sectors. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, the company specializes in the research and development of biomedical products and devices with antibacterial applications. Its core technologies include NIMBUS, a family of advanced polymers with antimicrobial and hemostatic properties; Stay Fresh, a chemical formulation for textiles that provides durable antimicrobial protection; and MultiStat, a series of patented methods and compounds for skin therapy. Quick-Med serves a variety of clients, including government agencies and companies in healthcare, medical, apparel, textile, and personal care industries.

Warwick Mills is an engineering of technical textiles for protective applications. They develop and integrate complex fiber composites for aerospace and outdoor applications. They provide textile manufacturing processes that include twisting, plying, warping, weaving, scouring, heat setting, coating, and lamination.