Press

New York, NY – April 13, 2026 – The New York Fashion Innovation Center (NYFIC), a statewide initiative supported by Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR), has opened applications for the fourth round of its $10,000 grant program.

The program supports farmers, researchers, manufacturers, and designers working to strengthen New York’s textile supply chain through environmentally responsible innovation using fibers and materials grown, processed, or made in the state.

Since launching, NYFIC has supported 24 projects across its first three rounds of funding, spanning fiber production, material development, manufacturing, and product design. These efforts are helping to reconnect supply chain segments and expand the use of New York–based materials across fashion and interiors.

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York is uniquely positioned to lead the future of sustainable textiles—from our farms and research institutions to our manufacturers and designers. Through NYFIC, we are making targeted investments that strengthen connections across the supply chain, accelerate innovation, and help bring New York-grown materials to market. This initiative reflects our broader commitment to building a more resilient, environmentally responsible, and globally competitive economy.”

Round Four builds on this momentum with a continued focus on projects that move materials closer to market, strengthen infrastructure, and enable broader industry adoption.

Applications are open through June 1, 11:59 p.m. ET. Grant recipients are expected to be announced in Fall 2026. A virtual Q&A session will be held on Monday, May 4 at 12 p.m. ET.

NYFIC awards grants that advance environmentally sustainable innovations using fibers and materials grown, processed, or made in New York State across five key areas:

• Fiber Cultivation and Processing – Strengthening New York agriculture by expanding environmentally sustainable cultivation and processing of plant and animal fiber and botanical dyes.

• Next-Generation Biomaterials and Manufacturing – Developing bio-based and biomanufactured feedstocks and materials, with an emphasis on New York-sourced inputs and in-state production.

• Textile Supply Chain and Infrastructure Development – Building the facilities and acquiring/developing the equipment and logistics needed to move New York fibers sustainably from farm and lab to finished product.

• Sustainable Yarn and Textile Material Development – Developing commercially relevant yarns, fabrics, felts, or other textile materials using New York–sourced fibers that can support broader adoption across the fashion and interiors industries.

• Sustainable Fashion and Interior Design Industry Uses – Creating apparel, accessories, and home products that highlight New York-grown and processed fibers and materials.

In addition to funding, grantees will be offered:

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

• Virtual business coaching focused on goal setting, 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 upcoming NYFIC Lab, a new facility for fiber and textile prototyping, testing, and development opening at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Summer 2026

Susan Easton, Product & Marketing Director of NYFIC, said, “Each round has helped us better understand where the opportunities and gaps are across New York’s textile supply chain. With Round Four, we are focused on supporting projects that not only innovate, but help move materials, processes, and products closer to real industry use.”

For more information about NYFIC’s grant program, visitwww.nyfic.org/grants.

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

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.organd follow NYFIC on 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.