PIN-FELTING R&D GRANT
ISAIC is offering design research and development grants for designers and entrepreneurs based in the Detroit area to develop new products from textile scrap waste using our FeltLOOM needle felting machine at our facility. Awardees will receive training on the machine, textile scraps from a variety of partners, access to equipment and production space, and targeted business consultation to support them in research and development of their product over a six-month period.
Participants can use their own materials or materials sourced from ISAIC and its partners. By the program's end, awardees will produce a limited run of products (apparel, accessories, interiors/homewares) sold through a retail or gallery partner identified during the program. The goal of the program is to support the development of new products that divert textiles from landfills and waterways in Michigan.
Over the Course of 6 Months, PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE $5,000 AND…
Hands-On Training
Gain expert instruction on ISAIC’s FeltLOOM needle felting machine, plus full access to equipment, production space, and high-quality textile scrap materials from local industry partners.
Business Support
Receive personalized consultation and mentorship to guide product research, design refinement, and market strategy over a six-month development period.
Product Launch
Create a limited-edition product line (apparel, accessories, or home goods) and showcase it through a partnered retail or gallery outlet, contributing to circular design and textile waste diversion in Michigan.
timeline
NOVEMBER 10, 2025
Call Opens
DECEMBER 19, 2025
Call Closes
JANUARY 9, 2026
Winners Notified
JANUARY 26, 2026
Program Starts – FeltLOOM Training
APRIL 17, 2026
Milestone 1: Prototype Ready for Feedback Session
APRIL 23, 2026
Participation in ISAIC Honors
JULY 24, 2026
Milestone 2 – Final product ready for production
SEPTEMBER, 2026
Product showcase during Detroit Month of Design
Who is eligible?
Must be a Detroit or Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, or Washtenaw county resident
Must be eligible to receive taxable income (SSN, ITIN, EIN)
Must be 18+ years old
Must agree to the following payment plan Payment plan:
• $2,000 upon grant start date
• $1,500 upon Milestone 1 completion
• $1,500 upon Milestone 2 completion
meet the 2025 winner
Sophie Yan is a local designer with expertise in product, interiors, and textile design. She is a graduate of Cranbrook’s 3D Design program and currently teaches in Lawrence Tech University’s Design program. As the winner of ISAIC’s Pin Felting Design R&D grant, Sophie received $5,000 and six months of access to ISAIC’s FeltLOOM pin felting machine to develop aesthetic acoustic solutions for interior spaces.
To learn more about the FeltLOOM pin felting machine and the opportunities ISAIC offers, read about our recent Pin-Felting Workshop that took place at ISAIC during Detroit’s Month of Design!