Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $10 million in state funding for the Fashion Innovation Center, which will foster a collaborative approach to harnessing smart, sustainable textiles produced in New York State. Empire State Development will lead the creation of his FIC, a consortium-driven leveraging the expertise of the State University of New York, farms, fashion industry leaders and non-profit organizations. FIC is focused on addressing the needs of the fashion industry, utilizing New York state-grown crops in textile materials, and fostering technology that fosters sustainability and innovation through wearable technology in the fashion and textile industries. increase. FIC has a focus on creating smart, sustainable alternatives that solve big industry problems, create green jobs, promote nationally sourced textiles, and support sustainable fashion. It also includes the Sustainable Fashion Innovation Center Accelerator.

Governor Ho Chul unveiled the new FIC during New York Fashion Week, which runs from September 7th to September 14th. In recognition of the industry-wide event, the governor attended the Coach Fashion Show in New York City.

“New York, the fashion capital of the world, is well-suited for cutting-edge solutions to make this booming industry more innovative and sustainable.” Governor Hochul said. “The Fashion Innovation Center will foster collaboration among fashion, agriculture and other industries to reduce our environmental footprint, limit waste and create opportunities throughout New York State.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said: “Agriculture is an important part of New York State’s economy, and as the fashion industry moves toward a more sustainable future, we must take advantage of opportunities to bring it together. Vital for the future, the new Fashion Innovation Center will make New York State a leader in promoting locally-produced, sustainable textiles, creating more jobs, and helping meet Governor Hochul’s nation-leading climate goals. .”

Richard A. Ball of the New York State Agricultural Commission said: “Locally produced textiles, and the farmers who make them, are an important part of New York agriculture. The promotion of the Fashion Innovation Center of New York farmers and manufacturers of textiles and textiles will help the state’s economy and communities. We are excited to support .The focus on environmental sustainability is a win-win-win for everyone.”

Globally, the fashion and textile industry contributes 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. This is due to over-reliance on fossil fuels, decentralized supply chains and improper disposal of used products. New technologies and material processing approaches offer the possibility of smarter and more sustainable fashion. New York farms now produce necessary raw materials such as linen, flax, cotton and hemp, which can be converted into usable textiles. At scale with these applications.

Sustainable textiles are the future of fashion, and New York State is poised to lead the way in producing these materials in an environmentally responsible manner. Smart textiles are a cutting-edge industry with applications in countless professions, from athletes to paramedics to medical professionals.

Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation will issue a request for proposals to select a consortium that includes universities, businesses, farmers, fashion industry leaders and non-profit organizations. Accelerators located within the FIC will provide space for early-stage companies engaged in promising developments in this area. These companies are strong candidates for commercialization and can challenge you to solve real problems for your industry partners.

FIC solicits, evaluates and oversees projects focused on addressing industry challenges and opportunities. Priorities concern the use of New York State’s crops and inputs, and fostering technologies that accelerate sustainability in the fashion and textile industries. Through a competitive process, the FIC will provide grants to New York State small businesses in the fashion industry, provide critical links between industry leaders and innovation, and aim to improve the sustainability of the industry. help the project.

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said: “Sustainable textiles are not only the future of fashion, but the future of the burgeoning farm-to-textile industry, which is already being spearheaded by small New York textile farmers. With a new innovation center and support for the legislation that creates the industry, , like my bill, The New York Textile Act (S8741A), makes New York an eco-friendly resource for use in all areas where fabric is needed. We can become a strong producer of textiles. Thank you Governor Ho Chul for our partnership to build a more sustainable future.”

Congressman Carey Warner said: “I am very excited to see these elements of the Textile Act come to life. There is so much potential at the intersection of creativity and technology, and textile and fashion. We have resources for all aspects of this project, including , innovators, and fashion infrastructure.

Congressman Donna Rupardo said: “We have been working for some time to advance the potential of NY textiles made from hemp and animal fibers. I would like to thank the Governor and for her interest and dedication to this new center, especially Carey, who is a strong supporter of Farm to Fashion on the Congressional Agriculture Committee. Thank you Congressman Warner. “

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York’s primary economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vibrant and growing economy, encourage the creation of new jobs and economic opportunities, increase revenues for the state and its local governments, and ensure a stable and diverse local economy. Through loans, grants, tax credits, and other forms of financial assistance, ESD seeks to encourage private enterprise investment and growth, foster job creation, and support prosperous communities throughout New York State. . ESD is also the regional economic development council and the primary government agency overseeing the marketing of the state’s iconic tourism brand, ‘I LOVE NY’. For more information about Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.