Where small businesses, startups and large organizations turn ideas into valuable solutions.

The UMass Lowell Fabric Discovery Center (FDC) is home to the first and only site in the nation that integrates discoveries from three Manufacturing USA Innovation Institutes.

Use an Integrated Approach to Develop Functional Fabrics

The synergy between high-tech fabrics and flexible electronics combined with robotics could change the world. Just imagine developing products such as:

• Fabrics that respond to temperature changes.
• Fire resistant fabrics made from materials found in nature.
• Fabrics that prevent water, oil or chemical penetration.
• Fibers with self-healing nanocapsules.
• Medical textiles that heal wounds, devices that prevent stroke.
• Wearable electronics embedded in shirts and shoes that measure vital signs.
• Power generating clothes, briefcase or shelter via weaveable organic photovoltaics.

To advance manufacturing, spark innovation and train workers for higher paying jobs, Massachusetts made a substantial commitment to develop the Manufacturing USA infrastructure within the state’s academic, research and manufacturing industry.