The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) has joined FutureTEX, a 10-year U.S. Department of War initiative focused on modernizing textile manufacturing for defence and domestic applications. The programme has been awarded $36 million for its first year, with total funding potentially reaching $480 million over the next decade.

The initiative will focus on new manufacturing methods, stronger supply chains, upgraded facilities and equipment, as well as workforce development to improve the country’s competitiveness.

North Carolina State University is leading FutureTEX in partnership with UMass Lowell, Drexel University, Gaston College, Georgia Tech and the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC). The initiative aims to help American textile manufacturers adopt digital infrastructure and other emerging technologies while developing new materials and improving manufacturing capabilities across the industry.

The UMass Lowell Fabric Discovery Center supports a wide range of textile development activities, from polymer development and fibre spinning to fabric formation, functional coatings, printed electronics and advanced manufacturing. These capabilities can help move textile technologies from research and development toward commercial production.

The university will also contribute to FutureTEX’s workforce development efforts, including training opportunities for veterans through its existing Veterans Reskilled in Innovative Solutions for Employment (Vets RISE) programme.