Press

New York, NY – November 3, 2025 – 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) will open applications for the third round of its $10,000 grant program on Monday, November 3. The program supports farmers, researchers, manufacturers, and designers who are building a more sustainable, resilient, and locally connected textile ecosystem in New York State.

Following two successful rounds of funding in 2025 that supported 16 innovative projects –including regional knitwear manufacturing, sustainable leather development, bast fiber processing, and regenerative design – Round Three will continue NYFIC’s mission to catalyze innovation and strengthen the state’s textile economy.

Applications will be accepted beginning November 3 through 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, December 15. Grant recipients are expected to be announced in early 2026. A virtual Q&A session will be held on Thursday, November 13 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 four 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 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 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 upcoming NYFIC Lab, a new facility for fiber and textile prototyping, testing, and development opening at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in December 2025

Susan Easton, Product & Marketing Director of NYFIC, said, “There is growing momentum across the state, from wool to biomaterials and natural dyes. Each round of grants highlights new talent and ideas shaping the future of sustainable textiles in New York. We’re pleased to open applications for Round Three and continue supporting this expanding community of innovators.”

For more information about NYFIC’s grant program, visit www.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, 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 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.

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