Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA)
Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) is a nonprofit, public-private partnership and a U.S. Department of Defense-funded Manufacturing USA Innovation Institute. AFFOA is dedicated to revitalizing the U.S. textile industry by transforming traditional fibers, yarns, and textiles into sophisticated, integrated, and networked devices and systems. The organization aims to bridge the gap between early-stage technology and commercialization, leveraging its expertise and membership ecosystem to advance textile-based products with transformative capabilities for defense and consumer markets.
Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA)
What We Do
AFFOA focuses on developing advanced fiber technologies that transform traditional textiles into sophisticated devices and systems.
AFFOA establishes a manufacturing ecosystem for advanced textile products, building a domestic supply chain to meet DoD and commercial needs.
AFFOA inspires, educates, and trains students and workers for the future advanced textiles industry.
A program that provides product development assistance to companies like Loomia and Z-Polymers to advance functional fabrics.
SeamLS is a digital curriculum designed to inspire and prepare future engineers and textile innovators by immersing students in an advanced textiles environment, including engineering design, electronics, and manufacturing.
A curriculum developed in partnership with Greater Lawrence Technical School and MIT to inspire students to design and produce high-tech clothes of the future, offering pathways in machining, manufacturing, and engineering design.
Key People
Vice President of Finance
Director of Engineering
Director of Business Operations
News & Updates
An upcoming event from December 2-5, 2024, focusing on defense manufacturing innovations.
Scheduled for December 3-5, 2024, this event will showcase innovations in defense technology.
An event hosted by the Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs to showcase top teams with high potential to accelerate delivery of new fabric technologies.
Dr. Eric D. Evans joins AFFOA's Board of Directors, bringing expertise in technology transfer and national security.
AFFOA focuses on Education & Workforce Development to train and hire younger workers.
AFFOA partnered with MIT visiting artist Chloe Bensahel to explore the intersection of textiles and memory.