Smart textile is not just cloth: Vafa
His background is in Polymer Engineering. He completed both BSc and MSc with a focus on polymer synthesis, polymer chemistry, and biomaterials. He was particularly drawn to how polymers and biopolymers can be designed for biomedical and environmental applications. That foundation led him to explore how these materials can transform textiles into functional, sustainable solutions.
stated that his work is centered on integrating advanced functionalities into natural textiles such as cotton and wool. Specifically, he is developing metallic-free, bio-based, and sustainable materials that can match or even surpass the performance of conventional synthetic fabrics. The idea is to push the boundaries of what textiles can do while keeping them environmentally friendly.
specified that Smart textiles are fabrics that do more than just cover and protect us. They can sense, respond, or interact with their environment. In my research, I’m working on bio-based smart textiles for wearable applications—things like e-textiles that can monitor health through sensors or generate heat for comfort. The challenge is to design these advanced properties without relying on unsustainable or metal-based materials, which are commonly used today.
added that I see strong potential in healthcare and personal well-being—imagine clothing that can help monitor vital signs or provide localized heating. At the same time, these innovations could have applications in sports, safety gear, and even fashion. The key is ensuring these products are not only high-performance but also sustainable, so they can be produced and used responsibly.
I believe we’re entering a new era where textiles won’t just be judged by how they look or feel, but also by their functionality and environmental footprint, he added. By combining bio-based chemistry with advanced textile design, we can create fabrics that are smart, sustainable, and scalable. My hope is that these innovations will help reduce our reliance on non-renewable resources while opening up exciting new possibilities for everyday life.
Read more news
Major funding powers development of next-generation machine technology aimed at productivity leap in export sectors
The BEST research project is developing new types of sealing, bearing, and damping technology.
The TAIMI project builds an equal working life – a six-year consortium project seeks solutions to recruitment and skill challenges
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing skill requirements, the population is aging, and the labor shortage is deepening. Meanwhile, the potential of international experts often remains unused in Finland. These challenges in working life are addressed by the six-year TAIMI project funded by the Strategic Research Council, and implemented by a broad consortium.
Unite! Seed Fund 2026: Call opens on 20 January 2026
Gain an early overview of the Unite! Seed Fund Call of Spring 2026. The call includes three funding lines: Student Activities, Teaching and Learning, and Research and PhD.