New York State Fashion Innovation Center to Distribute Fresh Grants for Textile Technology Advancements
New York State Announces Fashion Innovation Center Grant Program
The New York State Fashion Innovation Center, led by the Partnership Fund for New York City and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), has announced a series of grants to boost the state's farm-to-fashion ecosystem. The grant program, which falls under the category of technology, aims to promote innovation in agricultural production and processing, new materials and manufacturing, manufacturing and textile technology innovation, and fashion use of sustainable materials.
The grant program was announced at the end of New York Fashion Week, which ran from Sept. 6 to 11 and included 87 official runway events. The grants are part of an effort to advance innovative solutions and build a more sustainable fashion industry in New York.
The Fashion Innovation Center, which launched in 2022 with $10 million in state funding, is managed by six universities, businesses, farmers, fashion industry leaders, and non-profit organizations, led by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Awardees will become part of a cohort and receive mentoring from experts in their industries.
The Center will award grants of up to $10,000 in four categories: innovation in agricultural production and processing, new materials and manufacturing, manufacturing and textile technology innovation, improvement and expansion, and fashion use of sustainable materials. The program is offering pilot grants for startups, small businesses, farmers, researchers, and others working in textile fiber innovation. Awardees will also have access to equipment and facilities.
In addition to boosting the state's farm-to-fashion ecosystem, the report also suggested boosting New York's status as a global fashion hub with other measures. This includes increasing the amount of emerging designers showcased during New York Fashion Week. However, a report from the Partnership for New York City noted that top designers and fashion companies are less visibly engaged in New York and its institutions.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball stated that New York State has a nation-leading agricultural industry that produces locally made, sustainable fiber and textiles. The grants are intended to support this industry and help it become more innovative and sustainable.
The deadline to apply for the first round of grants is Nov. 15. Applications opened on Sunday. The grants are just one part of an ongoing effort to make New York a leader in sustainable fashion and to support the state's agricultural industry.
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