NSF ENGINES: NORTH CAROLINA TEXTILE INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY ENGINE
The Textile Engine
Advancing our nation’s capacity for
textile sustainability and innovation
Reinventing the $98B Domestic Textile Industry
Our Core Functions
Research & Development
Translation to Innovation
Workforce Development
Ecosystem Building
Translation to Innovation
The Textile Engine creates pathways to commercialization for technologies developed within the Engine and with partner organizations, ensuring these technologies drive investment, job creation, and economic prosperity in our region.
- Technology-based regional economic development
Workforce Development
Workforce development is key to creating access to new, high-paying jobs and securing a ready workforce for partner companies in the region. Our programs will provide pathways to employment at all levels, from secondary education to lifelong learning.
- Workforce development research
- Access to workforce experts
- Apprenticeship and internship opportunities for high school and community college students
- Curricula, certificates, and pathways within sustainable textiles
- Wrap-around services that address barriers to employment
- Resources for manufacturers
Ecosystem Building
The Textile Engine is building on our legacy of textile manufacturing to network and amplify our region’s capacity for innovation and production. We create a dynamic community for entrepreneurs, small businesses, scaled manufacturers, educational institutions, economic developers, and frontline workers to ensure a collaborative environment that ensures the resiliency of our industry and communities.