The AFFOA initiates a challenge to encourage innovation in chemical protective textiles, enhancing safety for defense personnel against hazardous materials.

AFFOA is partnering with the University of Oregon to enhance tactical apparel innovation. The initiative promotes student collaboration to create advanced textiles for commercial and defense applications.

The AFFOA Product Accelerator has selected four innovative companies to transform the future of functional fabrics. Learn about their exciting projects.

Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) celebrated the inauguration of its new headquarters, uniting leaders in textile innovation to revolutionize the industry.

The AFFOA has unveiled PAFF 3.0, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support U.S. textile manufacturers offering no-cost access to development resources.

The 2025 Advanced Functional Fabrics Summit will take place at Gillette Stadium, uniting experts to discuss innovations in textiles and functional fabrics.

The Advanced Functional Fabrics of America has named Dr. Eric Evans as Chair of its Board, ushering in new opportunities for innovation in textiles.

The Advanced Functional Fabrics of America has chosen Nuream and Z-Polymers for its Product Accelerator, aiming to fast-track innovations in textile technology.

The Gentoo Textile Heater by LOOMIA and AFFOA offers unmatched heating performance in extreme cold, redefining textile technology.

The Emerging Technologies Conference at AdvancedTextiles Expo last November in Indianapolis, Ind., addressed the importance of business connections, academic partnerships and industry support for innovative ideas, with various sessions focused on these topics. Accelerating R&D Michael Rein, Ph.D., director of engineering, Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA), spoke at the conference on the topic “Pushing … Read More The post Textile industry support organizations appeared first on Specialty Fabrics Review.

Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) announced the third round of its Product Accelerator for Functional Fabrics (PAFF 3.0). The program provides U.S textile manufacturers and startups access to AFFOA’s technical expertise and resources, with AFFOA covering labor costs enabled by government funding. PAFF 3.0 expands the program’s scope to accelerate digital engineering/manufacturing and textile … Read More The post AFFOA product accelerator program accepting project proposals appeared first on Specialty Fabrics Review.

BEDFORD, Mass. — December 10, 2025 — Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) announced the third round of its Product Accelerator for Functional Fabrics (PAFF 3.0). The program provides access to AFFOA’s technical expertise, pilot development capabilities, and product-advancement resources to U.S. textile manufacturers, startups, and fabric innovators, with AFFOA covering labor costs enabled by government funding. PAFF 3.0 expands the program’s scope to accelerate Digital Engineering/ Manufacturing, Textile Manufacturing Automation, Manufacturing Scale-Up, and advancing the TRL/MRL of Advanced Fibers and Fabric Products. The emphasis is on shortening development cycles and helping American manufacturers bring new products to market faster, without the burden of labor costs on participating companies. “As a Manufacturing USA Innovation Institute, AFFOA is committed to directly supporting America’s textile innovation ecosystem and accelerating advanced fiber and fabric product development,” said Sasha Stolyarov, Ph.D., AFFOA’s CEO. “PAFF 3.0 provides U.S. companies with no-cost access to our team of technical experts and specialized equipment at AFFOA headquarters, enabling scale-up and maturation of new processes and products. In today’s climate of tight margins, PAFF offers a critical development pathway that can be difficult to achieve independently.” Key dates for PAFF 3.0 are as follows: pre-proposals are due February 15, 2026; final proposals are due April 15, 2026; and award announcements are expected April 30,2026. AFFOA will also host a webinar on December 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time to help potential applicants understand the process, capabilities, and FAQs., U.S.-based companies can register at affoa.org/PAFF. Notable prior PAFF awardees include Z-Polymers, LOOMIA, DCS Corp, and Nuream, which have advanced the development of new products and process capabilities through the program. For more information about PAFF 3.0, eligibility, and how to apply, visit affoa.org/PAFF or contact AFFOA’s PAFF team at PAFF@affoa.org. Posted: December 11, 2025 Source: Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA)

Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) and The Textile Gateway by the FabricLink Network (FLN) have partnered to advance careers and technical education in the textile industry. “Fueling interest among the next generation is essential to preserving and advancing this industry,” says Robert Finnegan, head of education and workforce development at AFFOA. “TheTextileGateway.org program is … Read More The post FabricLink Network, AFFOA announce partnership to advance careers and education in textiles appeared first on Specialty Fabrics Review.

The Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) announced that Z-Polymers, a materials science company, and Nuream, a health technology startup, were chosen as the two Product Accelerator for Functional Fabrics (PAFF) program awardees for 2025. The AFFOA initiative is designed to enable organizations to leverage AFFOA’s capabilities and personnel, at no direct cost, to increase … Read More The post AFFOA initiative awards Z-Polymers, Nuream appeared first on Specialty Fabrics Review.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — August 6, 2025 — Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) is set to host its highly anticipated 2025 Advanced Functional Fabrics Summit on September 23-24 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. The event, regarded as a premier gathering in the textile and technology sectors, will bring together industry leaders, researchers, startups, and government/military officials to network, explore future trends in functional fabrics, and demo the latest fiber and textile innovations. The two-day Summit will feature keynote addresses from notable experts, including John Kirejczyk, Director of Technology Management & Integration at the US Army Program Executive Office Soldier, who will discuss how fabric technologies can meet key soldier requirements. Additionally, Eric Evans, Director Emeritus of MIT Lincoln Laboratory and AFFOA Board Chair, will share his insights on the evolving landscape of the industrial base for national defense. A key highlight of the Summit is the highly popular Startup Pitch Competition, which showcases emerging companies with innovative textile solutions in an interactive, fast-paced session. The event will also include an AFFOA Member Spotlight Round, offering members an opportunity to present their capabilities and technologies, catalyzing collaborations. Panel discussions will focus on digital engineering, advanced manufacturing automation, and education and workforce development, with special presentations focusing on emerging technologies shaping the future of functional textiles. The Summit aims to foster networking and collaboration across sectors and highlight technological advancements in textiles for applications spanning healthcare, defense, aerospace, sports, and consumer goods. “The 2025 Summit is a pivotal opportunity to unite the brightest minds in textiles and technology,” said AFFOA CEO Sasha Stolyarov, Ph.D. “We are committed to accelerating the development of advanced fabrics that can transform industries and improve everyday life. This event will highlight the innovative work happening across our ecosystem and set the stage for the next wave of breakthroughs.” While primarily intended for AFFOA members and Government partners, non-members interested in attending can request an invitation at eventhelp@affoa.org. As the industry continues to evolve, the 2025 AFFOA Summit promises to be a significant event for anyone involved in the development and application of advanced fabrics. Go to https://www.eventcreate.com/e/affoa2025 to learn more and register. Posted: August 6, 2025 Source: Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA)

Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) has announced that Eric Evans, Ph.D., has been appointed as the new chair of the AFFOA Board of Directors. Evans has served as the director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory for 18 years, from 2006–2024, where he led advances across many national security mission areas. … Read More The post Eric Evans appointed chair of AFFOA Board of Directors appeared first on Specialty Fabrics Review.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — June 17, 2025 — Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Eric Evans has been appointed as the new Chair of the AFFOA Board of Directors. Dr. Evans brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in defense technology and innovation to AFFOA, positioning the organization for continued leadership in the field of advanced textiles. Eric Evans, Ph.D has been appointed the new Chair of the AFFOA Board of Directors. Dr. Evans has a distinguished career spanning over three decades, where he has been at the forefront of research and development for new defense systems and technology. Evans served as the Director of MIT Lincoln Laboratory for 18 years from 2006 to 2024, where he led significant advances across many national security mission areas, making him a natural fit for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for AFFOA. He is now a Professor of Practice and Senior Fellow at MIT campus. “We are honored to welcome Dr. Evans as our new Chair,” said Dr. Sasha Stolyarov, CEO of AFFOA. “His extensive expertise in defense innovation and his commitment to fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in functional fabrics technology and manufacturing.” As Chair of AFFOA, Dr. Evans will help lead the organization in its mission to accelerate the development and commercialization of advanced textile technologies that integrate electronics, sensors, and other advanced functionalities. Under his guidance, AFFOA aims to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. workforce and drive economic growth through innovation in textile technology and advanced manufacturing processes. “I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time for AFFOA,” said Dr. Evans. “I look forward to working with the very talented team at AFFOA to create new textile and technology capabilities for both defense and civilian applications.” Dr. Evans officially assumed his position as Chair of AFFOA’s Board of Directors on May 1, 2025. The organization is excited about the direction and vision he will bring to its initiatives and partnerships, and looks forward to his leadership in shaping the future of advanced textiles. Dr. Evans has received two Distinguished Public Service Medals from the Secretary of Defense for his leadership of MIT Lincoln Laboratory and the Defense Science Board. He is a Fellow of the IEEE, a Fellow of the AIAA, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Posted: June 17, 2025 Source: Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA)

Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) has announced a strategic partnership with Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA), launching a limited three-part podcast series on ATA’s Talking Textiles. The first episode is available to stream now. Hosted by Robert Finnegan, AFFOA’s director of education and workforce, each episode focuses on a key topic affecting the textile industry. … Read More The post AFFOA and ATA launch limited podcast series appeared first on Specialty Fabrics Review.

Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) has announced that its Transdisciplinary Workshop model will be brought to the West Coast, in partnership with the University of Oregon’s sports product design graduate program and Bemis Associates. This initiative invites students to collaborate in studio teams to prototype advanced tactical apparel and gear utilizing Bemis’ EverFit™ Sewfree® elastic replacement … Read More The post AFFOA collaborates with University of Oregon and Bemis Associates appeared first on Specialty Fabrics Review.

Advanced Functional Fabrics of America Inc. (AFFOA) announced that Nuream and Z-Polymers have been chosen to participate in the Product Accelerator for Functional Fabrics (PAFF) 2.0 program. This initiative aims to accelerate the commercialization of advanced functional fabric products through targeted technical and manufacturing support. Launched in 2024, the PAFF program enables selected companies to … Read More The post AFFOA names Nuream, Z-Polymers as awardees of Product Accelerator program appeared first on Specialty Fabrics Review.