Defense Secretary Announces $317M Futuristic Textiles Project At MIT
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (CBS/AP) — Massachusetts has been chosen to host a $317 million futuristic textiles manufacturing hub.
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter joined Gov. Charlie Baker and other state leaders on Friday in announcing the new public-private partnership based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.
Carter says the revolutionary fibers and textiles that are being developed will have significant potential for the United States defense mission.
"(With) light-weight sensors woven into the nylon of parachutes, we'll be able to catch small tears that might otherwise expand in mid-air, risking paratroopers' lives," he said.
"Uniforms with electronics embedded in their fibers will be able to detect potential chemical and radiological agents," Carter added.
Baker says the state is pledging $40 million in matching funds to support capital projects at the facility which will be known as the Revolutionary Fiber and Textile Manufacturing Innovation Institute.
The project's goal is to help develop cutting-edge fabrics — everything from gear to protect firefighters from the hottest flames to innovations that can weave the sensing capabilities of a smart watch into a lightweight fabric.
Other participants in the project include the University of Massachusetts and Quinsigamond Community College.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports
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