$250k (2023): In partnership with the University of Georgia, this project will investigate the intersection of bioindustrial manufacturing and public opinion by building the first batch of Squitex articles and using them to motivate and anchor data collections on messaging in biotechnology The primary goal of this data collection is to see how different presentations of bioindustrial manufacturing impact audience attitudes and opinions to aide in future communications about the industry. The data from this project can be used to inform communication strategies for not just Squitex products, but bioindustrially manufactured products overall and the industry as a whole. The data will be valuable for groups working at all phases of development of bioindustrially manufactured products.

$2M (2022): This project will scale the upstream and downstream processes for producing Squitex. This sustainable, high-performance fiber yields superior mechanical, chemical, durability, and recyclability benefits when blended with natural fibers. This project will improve biomass yield during the upstream bioprocess; improve extraction, recovery, yield, and purity of the downstream process; optimize wet-spinning of Squitex fibers and knit these fibers into a fabric; and build a techno-economic model for Squitex fabric production. Prototypes will be used to assess performance, touch and feel, and longevity in product development and generate interest in clothing brands.

$150K (Year: 2022): The Microfiber Innovation Challenge was held by Conservation X Labs, a company that creates solutions to stop the extinction crisis. Each team submitted an alternative material they developed to limit pollution from microfibers found in textiles. The Flotilla Foundation and the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation sponsored the event. Tandem Repeat Technologies won the prize for the development of a sustainable fiber material called Squitex.

$2.2M (Year: 2020) This is a research and development project for innovative technologies to develop thermal energy storage materials and embedded energy storage options for building equipment. The Tandem Repeat team developed bio-based, phase-change materials that are synthetically derived from squid ring teeth protein (PCM) to produce a novel thermal energy storage material with collaborators at Georgia Tech and the University of Virginia. (%20 Matching required)

$70k (Year: 2017): The I-Corps @ DoD program supports the acceleration of fundamental research innovations from qualifying institutions by providing DoD-funded Principal Investigators (Dr. Demirel) and students with training and mentorship in customer discovery and the commercialization process. NSF runs the program.