STTR Fast-Track: Photonic Particles and Fibers for Textile Tracing

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $1,555,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Fast-Track project is to develop, and commercialize, a novel method of tracing and authenticating textile materials. Counterfeit textiles are a growing problem, with $179 million of clothing and apparel seized by United States Customs and Border Protection in 2024. These counterfeit materials not only hurt retailers and, ultimately, the United States economy, but also can contain hazardous chemicals. A key challenge currently for detecting counterfeit items is the amount of time required to test and verify that the products are genuine. The innovation to be developed by this proposal would provide a cost-efficient, non-toxic additive that integrates into existing textile manufacturing processes and permits instantaneous verification without costly laboratory testing. The proposed technology is a fraction of the cost of existing solutions on the market, and would be manufactured domestically creating safe, high-paying jobs. The low production cost coupled with a seamless digital tracking and verification system will provide a durable competitive advantage and fuel sustainable company growth. Textile and apparel manufacturers and brands are the initial customers of this technology, and its development would add to the growing revitalization of the U.S. textile industry driven by innovation. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Fast-Track project aims to address a challenge in the ident

Key facts

NSF award ID
2528321
Awardee
FIBARCODE, LLC (TN)
SAM.gov UEI
XF33D2RQZ8H1
PI
Mars S Harvey
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Materials Engineering
Estimated total
$1,555,000
Funds obligated
$1,555,000
Transaction type
Cooperative Agreement
Period
09/15/2025 → 08/31/2028