The University of Oregon (UO) is partnering with global sustainable textile company NTX to launch an innovation lab in Portland.

The NTX Portland Bridge Innovation Lab, the company’s first U.S. facility, will provide UO students and faculty members with access to state-of-the-art technologies, prototype facilities and mentorship to help them develop and commercialize sports gear and other products using NTX’s waterless, low-carbon textile production systems.

“Launching a partnership with NTX is an exciting opportunity and directly ties into our mission to provide a world-class education to our students,” says UO President Karl Scholz. “We strive for excellence in curiosity-driven scholarship, and to serve society — as a driver of ideas, innovation and prosperity. Bridges Innovation Center adds another layer of opportunity for students and faculty in our distinctive sports product programs, and eventually in more areas across the university.”

The partnership could also benefit the larger Pacific Northwest region, which is home to more than 500 companies in the sports and outdoor industries. With the launch of the new lab at UO, those companies will be able to test and make updates to textiles more quickly.

“Bridges isn’t just a hub of technology. It’s where creativity meets practical application,” says NTX founder and chairman Kalvin Chung. “Here, students’ fresh ideas and researchers’ expertise combine, not just to imagine but to forge real-world solutions in textile sustainability. It’s about impactful innovation, turning sustainable concepts into industry standards for a more responsible future.”

Source: Around the O