Press

NEW YORK, NY – October 28, 2026 – The New York Fashion Innovation Center (NYFIC) will open applications on October 30, 2026, for its fifth and final scheduled round of Sustainable Textile Innovation Grants. Awards of up to $10,000 per recipient will support projects that advance environmentally sustainable innovation using fibers and materials grown, processed, or made in New York State.

Supported by Governor Kathy Hochul and funded through Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR), NYFIC connects farmers, researchers, manufacturers, and designers to strengthen New York’s textile supply chain, from fiber production and materials research to finished products.

Applications will be accepted from October 30, 2026, through January 6, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Grant recipients are expected to be announced in early spring 2027. NYFIC will host a virtual Q&A session on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. ET, covering the funding opportunities, application requirements, and selection process. Application information and Q&A registration are available at nyfic.org/grants.

Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York’s fashion industry has long been a driver of creativity and economic opportunity, and we’re building on that legacy by investing in the next generation of sustainable materials and manufacturing. Through the New York Fashion Innovation Center, we’re connecting researchers, farmers, manufacturers and designers to strengthen our state’s textile supply chain, support innovative businesses and create new opportunities for New York-made products.”

Across its first four funding rounds, NYFIC has supported 36 projects spanning fiber cultivation, processing, materials development, manufacturing, education, and product design. Projects have included bast fiber processing, algae-cellulose fashion embellishments, a farm-to-fiber program for fashion students, and wool textile collections.

Round Five will support projects that bring sustainable materials and processes into practical use, expand local processing capacity, and help more New York businesses participate in the state’s textile supply chain.

“Across our first four rounds, we’ve seen the breadth of talent and innovation in New York’s textile community, along with the gaps that still need to be addressed,” said Ken Simons, Director of NYFIC. “With Round Five, we want to help turn that potential into practical results: better processing options for farmers, materials that meet manufacturers’ needs, and stronger connections that bring New York fibers into fashion and interiors.”

Two Funding Tracks
Applicants may apply through one of two funding tracks:

• General Topic Grants support sustainable innovation across fiber cultivation and processing, next-generation biomaterials, textile infrastructure, yarn and material development, and fashion and interiors applications.

• Special Focus Grants address targeted priorities in biomaterial textiles, hemp and flax processing, farmer readiness and wool quality, fiber sorting technology, and environmental and regenerative wool systems.

Full grant descriptions, eligibility requirements, and application instructions are available at nyfic.org/grants.

Register for our online Q&A session on November 9, noon–1 p.m. ET.

Support Beyond Funding
In addition to funding, grantees will be offered:

• Project mentorship from NYFIC’s statewide consortium of researchers, manufacturers, designers, and business advisors.

• A virtual ten-week business accelerator focused on customer discovery, business planning, go-to-market strategy, and brand positioning.

• Opportunities to showcase their work at NYFIC-hosted events and statewide gatherings.

• Sourcing support through the Northeast Fiber Exchange (NEFX), a regional initiative strengthening access to New York-grown natural fibers.

• Access to the NYFIC Lab at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a facility for fiber and textile prototyping, testing, and development scheduled to open in fall 2026.

Media Contact:
Susan Easton
Product & Marketing Director
347-524-5488
susan.easton@nyfic.org

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About the New York Fashion Innovation Center
The New York Fashion Innovation Center (NYFIC), a statewide initiative supported by Governor Kathy Hochul, created and funded through Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR), seeks to expand the use of renewable animal, plant and bio-manufactured fibers in the fashion industry, and bolster a resilient farm-to-fashion ecosystem throughout New York State, fostering innovation and sustainability in the sector.

Through its consortium members—including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Hudson Valley Textile Project (HVTP), Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) - part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, Made X Hudson, SUNY Morrisville, and The Field to Fiber Company—NYFIC strengthens the textile ecosystem, champions sustainable practices, and supports the development of a resilient local supply chain. 

For more information, visit nyfic.org and follow NYFIC on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

About ESD’s Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR)

Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation – known as
NYSTAR – advances technology innovation and commercialization in New York State. NYSTAR offers programs that assist companies from start-up through maturity, leveraging the state’s unparalleled investment in world-class technology assets and expertise. It provides about $70 million annually in funding to support over 80 centers that provide direct assistance to New York State companies — a network of vital assets for enabling technology — and manufacturing-led growth and job creation. NYSTAR and its partners are proud to contribute to New York’s leadership in the global innovation economy. For more information, visit esd.ny.gov/nystar.