Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) has announced the dates and venue for its 2025 Advanced Functional Fabrics Summit. The event will take place on September 23 and 24 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
The summit is known for bringing together people from across the textile and technology industries. Attendees will include leaders from companies, academic researchers, early-stage startups, and representatives from government and military organizations. The goal is to exchange ideas, explore new trends in functional fabrics, and see demonstrations of the latest fiber and textile technologies.
Several keynote speakers are scheduled. John Kirejczyk, Director of Technology Management & Integration at the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Soldier, will speak about how new fabric technologies can support the needs of soldiers. Eric Evans, Director Emeritus of MIT Lincoln Laboratory and AFFOA Board Chair, will share his thoughts on how the industrial base is evolving in support of national defense.
One of the most popular parts of the summit will return—the Startup Pitch Competition. This segment gives startups the chance to present their textile-based technologies in a short, energetic format. There will also be an AFFOA Member Spotlight Round, where current members can showcase their work and potentially connect with new partners.
The two-day event will include panel discussions on topics like digital engineering, advanced manufacturing automation, and education in textile-related fields. There will also be sessions dedicated to upcoming technologies with applications in defense, healthcare, sports, aerospace, and consumer products.
AFFOA CEO Sasha Stolyarov, Ph.D., says the summit is about bringing people together to support progress in the field.
We are committed to accelerating the development of advanced fabrics that can transform industries and improve everyday life.
Sasha Stolyarov, Ph.D., CEO, AFFOA
