This is the bold innovation of Tandem Repeat, who have found self-healing characteristics in squid genes. Through an eco-friendly and low-cost process, a material emerges which is biodegradable and 100% recyclable. This groundbreaking technology allows materials to repair themselves, and thereby improve their lifetime. The material also acts as glue, which minimizes the shredding of microfibers during wash, and hence protects against the plastic pollutions in the oceans. As a good alternative to synthetic fibres such as spandex, this strong and elastic material can be processed into a liquid, powder or fibre, as well as moulded or woven, and is extremely durable.
Behind Tandem Repeat is Melik Demirel and Gözde Şenel-Ayaz from the US. In the next few years, Tandem Repeat wish to scale their self-healing concept, reduce the cost of production and reach out to the textile industry with their innovation.
Early Bird
The Early Bird is the best entry from the pool of entries submitted in the first half of the application period, before October 6, 2017. The Early Bird winner does not receive a grant but get the opportunity to attend the Innovation Accelerator week in New York.
