FXI launches design competition for Philadelphia University students

Home Textiles Today, 10/14/2009 11:01:00 AM

Media, Pa. – Bedding foam products company FXI Foamex Innovations together with Philadelphia University is launching a design competition for students to create a new memory foam sleep product for the retail market.

The semester-long competition, open to both undergraduate and graduate students, was created to enhance their educations, provide hands-on industry experience, help prepare them for future employment, and, “quite possibly,” FIX noted, “uncover the next great sleep product innovation.”

“Engaging with outside partners and academia is a key element of our innovation process,” said Alvaro Vaselli, svp of Foam Products Business Management for Philadelphia-based FXI. “Our foam innovations reach far and wide – they make medical products safer, make vehicles quieter, electronics more reliable, household cleaning products more efficient and, yes, furnishings and bedding more comfortable and durable. Our job is to uncover new foam solutions every day. By partnering with Philadelphia University, we can foster that creative approach to the industry among its next generation of designers and leaders.”

The competition targets students from Philadelphia University’s School of Engineering and Textiles as well as its Industrial Design Program. Student entries will be judged on: innovation, features and benefits, and commercial viability. The competition will be featured on the FXI website. 

The winning team will be announced in February and will receive $1,000 plus an all-expenses paid trip to launch the product design at the International Sleep Products Association conference next March in Charlotte, N.C. In addition, the top five student teams will see their designs will be manufactured into products by FXI and its industry partners.

“This design competition is an innovative way for [our students] to learn about the changing face of textile manufacturing in Philadelphia and elsewhere and bring their studies to life with hands-on industry experience,” said Janet Brady, associate professor of textiles, School of Engineering and Textiles at Philadelphia University.

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