BOONE, N.C. — R‑Fusion, a sustainable textiles startup founded and led by Dr. Rakkiyappan Chandran, lecturer in Appalachian State University's Department of Physics and Astronomy, has been selected for the inaugural cohort of the Cox Enterprises Cox Cleantech Residency Program.
The residency, a partnership between Cox Enterprises, gener8tor, and the Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub, supports early‑stage cleantech ventures through a six‑week commercialization residency in Atlanta, a $10,000 stipend, and access to Cox's network of industry mentors and partners.
R‑Fusion is one of 10 startups chosen from a competitive pool of 75 applicants across the Southeast. The cohort includes innovators working to modernize critical infrastructure, strengthen supply chains, improve resource efficiency, and create more resilient communities.
Based in Boone, R‑Fusion is developing new manufacturing technology that builds performance directly into textile architecture, reducing water, energy, and chemical use while improving long‑term durability. The company's mission is deeply connected to Western North Carolina's legacy in performance fabrics and material innovation, and its work is supported by App State, NCInnovation, and a growing network of research, commercialization, and industry partners.
Chandran — whose research spans sustainable nanobiopolymers, smart textiles, and advanced material science — joined App State in 2024 and now teaches nanoscience, materials science, applied physics, and lab‑based materials characterization. His work bridges academic research with industry‑driven innovation, preparing students with both technical expertise and an awareness of how science can contribute to solving sustainability challenges.
This recognition follows R‑Fusion's recent acceptance into NCInnovation's Pipeline Development Initiative through App State, a milestone that highlights the company's growing impact within North Carolina's innovation ecosystem.
Read the full announcement from Cox Enterprises
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About the Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy's curriculum has an applied nature that includes a core of fundamental physics courses and laboratory experiences. The department prepares graduates for a variety of scientific, teaching, or engineering professions, as well as future educational endeavors. Learn more about the Department of Physics and Astronomy
Dr. Rakkiyappan Chandran
Dr. Rakkiyappan Chandran