TexAI:
Knowledge in AI-Driven Innovation
for Circular Ecosystems in the
Textiles and Fashion Field
2025 - 2033
Research Project
KK Foundation - Research Profile
Co-Applicant
Summary
The TexAI Research Profile was funded by KK Stiftelsen in 2025 with the University of Borås as the lead beneficiary. The research profile aims to integrate AI-driven innovation, circular economy, and digital transformation into textile manufacturing and recycling. By leveraging expertise from the departments of textile technology, business, design, and information systems, TexAI addresses industry sustainability challenges through AI-driven innovation.
TexAI integrates expertise from 17 industry partners in the textiles and fashion field, ensuring that research developments remain timely, applicable, and meaningful for society. Moreover, 12 doctoral candidates and 5 postdocs will be employed through TexAI to conduct research in the represented areas. Seen together, TexAI will enhance education, industry collaboration, and AI model deployment, establishing UB as a global leader in sustainable textile innovation.
Structure
The research profile is organised into five complementary Research Areas (RAs), each aligned with the overall objectives of TexAI. These RAs collectively host 10 Research Projects (RPs) at the outset of TexAI, with additional RPs planned for inclusion over the profile's lifetime of 8 years.
Research Area 1: AI-Assisted Textile Recycling and Manufacturing
Developing AI-powered separation, fibre recovery, and defect detection tools to enhance the efficiency of textile recycling and improve fabric formation processes.
Research Area 2: AI in Textile Printing and Functionalisation
Optimising dyeing, printing, and functionalisation of recycled textiles through AI-assisted process adjustments, reducing waste, and improving material performance.
Research Area 3. AI-Driven Sustainable Textile and Fashion Design
Creating AI tools for design ideation, market forecasting, and the integration of recycled materials into fashion, promoting circular fashion principles.
Research Area 4. AI for Textile Ecosystem Optimisation
Utilising AI for supply chain analytics, circular business models, and digital servitisation, enhancing sustainability through real-time tracking and intelligent decision-making.
Research Area 5: AI Foundry for Textile Data-Driven Innovation
Establishing a digital infrastructure to develop, test, and deploy AI artefacts, fostering human-AI collaboration in textile production and design.
Team
Prof. Nawar Kadi Project Leader
Prof. Gustaf Juell-Skielse Vice Project Leader
Research Area 1 - AI-Assisted Textile Recycling and Manufacturing
May Kahoush Research Area Leader
Nawar Kadi
Research Area 2 - AI in Textile Printing and Functionalisation
As. Prof. Junchun Yu. Research Area Leader
Sina Seipel Member
Research Area 3 - AI-Driven Sustainability in Textile and Fashion Design
Jan Tepe Research Area Leader
Niina Hernandez Member
Prof. Clemens Thornquist Member
Anna Lidström Member
Rickard Lindqvist Member
Research Area 4 - AI for Textile Ecosystem Optimsation
As. Prof. Vijay Kumar Research Area Leader
Sara Harper Member
Research Area 5 - AI Foundry for Textile Data-Driven Innovation
Prof. Gustaf Juell-Skielse Research Area Leader
Hannes Göbel Member
Björn Dahlstrand Member
Johannes Salin Member
Partners
Link to the official project website