Group photo of FiberCraze and TIDREC members
1. The Motivation Behind Establishing This Collaborative Project
At FiberCraze, under the vision of “Weaving together the future of humankind and the Earth through microscopic technology,” we are committed to the social implementation of advanced textile materials that help prevent mosquito-borne infectious diseases.
Dengue fever and malaria, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, threaten daily life through the simple act of mosquito bites, impacting not only health but also opportunities for education and work. Having visited hospitals in four Southeast Asian countries, we were deeply shocked by the sheer number of patients affected.
Based on these experiences, we aim to reduce infection risks in everyday life through one of the most familiar products: clothing. Utilizing our proprietary “Craze-tex®” textile technology, we are developing high-performance materials that encapsulate insect-repellent ingredients.
To design not only innovative materials but also a supply system tailored to local lifestyles, expertise in disease ecology, evaluation methods, and public health is essential. Through our selection for the “QUEST” program, we are accelerating international co-creation with TIDREC, a world-renowned authority in tropical infectious disease research, to combine scientific effectiveness with real-world applicability.
By transforming cutting-edge Japanese technology into tangible value for daily life, we aim to deliver sustainable options for infectious disease prevention worldwide.
Craze-tex®
2. Overview of the Collaborative Project
This project is built upon three main pillars:
- Design and Prototyping of High-Performance Mosquito-Repellent Textiles:
We design materials with attention to comfort, durability, and environmental impact, utilizing over 30 years of academic research and nanotechnology to develop “Craze-tex®” textiles. These combine multiple mechanisms—repellency, inhibition, and suppression of blood-feeding—to create highly functional prototypes. - Laboratory and Field Effectiveness Evaluation:
Leveraging TIDREC’s extensive expertise and state-of-the-art research infrastructure, we conduct standardized testing in tropical and subtropical regions and gradually validate effectiveness under conditions close to actual living environments. - Development of Locally Adapted Products and Supply Models:
Through local interviews, we assess user acceptance and design specific implementation scenarios for schools, healthcare, and industry. We also examine supply models, including collaboration with local factories and distributors, procurement, logistics, and after-sales service.
Through these efforts, we aim to develop products that balance scientific evidence with local needs.
Interview with healthcare workers in Malaysia
Hospital visit in Malaysia
3. Introduction of Co-Creation Partner
TIDREC, established at the University of Malaya, is Malaysia’s leading infectious disease research institute, specializing in diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and Zika virus common in tropical regions. With advanced research facilities and an international network, TIDREC is dedicated to early detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases.
Through co-creation with FiberCraze, we combine the expertise and technologies of both organizations to deliver concrete solutions to global health challenges. By collaborating with TIDREC—one of the world’s foremost infectious disease research institutions—we are committed to developing innovative solutions tailored to local needs.
Discussion with TIDREC
4. Message to the Public and Call for Collaboration
We are fully committed to protecting “everyday life” from infectious diseases through this project. Our goal is to translate proven laboratory effectiveness into real value for local communities, and your cooperation is essential to achieving this.
We are seeking municipalities, educational institutions, companies, and NGOs to collaborate in the following areas as we move toward mass production and local deployment:
- Provision of Demonstration Fields:
Collaboration for pilot introduction and evaluation of uniforms, bedding, and protective materials at schools, healthcare, agriculture, construction, tourism, and other sites. - Manufacturing and Sales Partnerships:
Support for small-lot sewing, inventory collaboration, and sales validation through local e-commerce and retail channels in Southeast Asia. - Funding and Support:
Impact investment, grants, CSR donations, and assistance with distribution channel development. - Information Dissemination:
Promotion of accurate understanding of infectious disease risks and preventive actions.
Together with you, we hope to pioneer a sustainable future for infectious disease prevention. Please contact us if you are interested.
■ Company Information / Contact
FiberCraze Corporation
Gifu University, Academic Research & Industry-Government Collaboration Promotion Headquarters, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Shunya Chosokabe, President and Representative Director:
Website: https://www.fibercraze.com/en
Email: info@fibercraze.com
Phone: +81-58-293-3357