National Research Council and Industry put Canada on the smart textiles map with new alliance

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is proud to team up with industry to form the Smart Textile and Wearables Innovation Alliance which will create visibility for the smart textile industry and position Canada as a global leader in this emerging sector. The Alliance will regroup 30 Canadian companies from all levels of the supply chain to share ideas and develop products that will revolutionize the smart textile industry.

Smart textiles and wearables have digital components, including small computers, sensors and electronics, embedded in them and give them added value, such as communication, data collection and energy transfer. According to Tony Chahine, Chief Executive Officer at Myant & Co. and member of the Alliance, "textile is rapidly becoming the most effective wearable technology form factor. Smart textiles and wearables have the ability to provide a holistic picture of the body, enhance everyday life and even transform the future of the health care systems."

Facilitated by the National Research Council, this industry-led, grassroots initiative will encourage the formation of supply chains to enable the development and commercialization of next-generation technologies in targeted areas such as sport and fitness, self-care and wellness, medical diagnostics, industrial wearables, and interactive tracking. Thomas Ducellier, Executive Director of Printed Electronics explains that "NRC recognizes that domestic supply chains are essential for the advancement of smart textile and wearable technologies. We are proud to be facilitating the Smart Textile and Wearables Innovation Alliance to allow companies to be part of a collaborative ecosystem and make revolutionary breakthroughs."

The Alliance held its first meeting on April 21, 2016, in Oakville, Ontario.