Problem Statement

The global clothing manufacturing industry is facing unprecedented challenges. As consumers increasingly focus on sustainability, traditional dyeing processes are heavily criticized for their high water consumption, pollution, and inefficiency. It is estimated that the textile industry consumes about 7.9 billion cubic meters of water annually, accounting for 20% of the world's industrial water use, while also generating significant amounts of wastewater[1]. These issues have sparked a strong demand for innovative and eco-friendly dyeing technologies. Simultaneously, consumer demand and expectations are shifting, with an increasing number of consumers paying attention to sustainability and seeking innovation and creativity. Amid global economic uncertainty, consumers prefer products that reflect individuality and unique value[2].

Neovio Dye was created in response to these trends. Its unique memory and random modules inject new vitality into the fashion industry. Through the memory module, microorganisms can remember and replicate specific patterns, making each garment unique. The random module brings unpredictable gradient dyeing effects, offering endless creative possibilities for designers and consumers alike. Neovio Dye aligns with industry trends in sustainability and innovation, offering new possibilities for fashion design. In an era increasingly focused on environmental protection and creativity, we hope Neovio Dye revitalizes the traditional clothing manufacturing industry.

Dyes and pigments are generally compounds with inherent color that can impart bright and fast colors to other materials in molecular or dispersed states. Currently, most reactive dyes are chemically synthesized, which leads to environmental issues. This inspired part of Neovio Dye's concept—we aim to create an eco-friendly dyeing product while making it fun and meaningful. Thus, the memory and random modules were born. Through public sources, we compiled a rough timeline of the dye market's development, revealing that the Chinese market holds significant growth potential.

With rising global awareness of environmental protection, people increasingly opt for greener, non-polluting lifestyles, and consumers are paying more attention to the safety of dyes used in clothing and other daily products. Compared to traditional synthetic dyes, new natural dyes offer unique competitive advantages with their eco-friendly and low-toxicity characteristics. Within the global environmental trend, new natural dyes have the potential to enter various international markets, fostering cooperation with foreign partners to jointly develop products suited for global demand.

During our research, we found that due to environmental pollution issues and the pandemic, China's apparent dye demand has steadily declined in recent years, dropping from 743,600 tons in 2019 to 659,500 tons in 2021. The need for sustainable bio-dyes is pressing. With advances in dye technology and government support for the dye industry, the market is gradually recovering, with dye industry revenues expected to maintain an annual growth rate of around 8% over the next few years. By 2027, China's dye industry revenue could reach 95 billion yuan[3], indicating a vast market for Neovio Dye's innovative garment customization model.

Figure 1 Dye market development timeline.

Keqiao Shaoxing, the largest textile industry cluster in China, boasts a complete textile industry chain covering chemical fibers, dyeing, fabrics, clothing, and home textiles. Its sales network spans 192 countries and regions, driving regional economic growth through its "fabric" industry. To gather firsthand information, we decided to visit this textile city. During our journey, local residents mentioned that a few years ago, the roads at night were full of trucks transporting fabrics, but recently Keqiao's textile share has gradually declined.

We contacted Shaoxing Qiyu Textile Company and planned an on-site factory investigation to explore the improvements needed for Neovio Dye's market launch. We followed Ms. Xuxu, the company's director, to tour the workshop, witnessing each step of the production process, including stretching, dyeing, sampling, and setting. Ms. Xuxu provided many practical suggestions for entrepreneurship. She pointed out that the biological memory module is an attractive brand concept. Using this concept to market the product could help the company grow rapidly. We plan to adjust our business model by narrowing down the customer analysis to focus on interesting, healthy fashion rather than broad environmental appeal, making the industrialization of Neovio Dye more practical.

In addition, we wanted to obtain user feedback to better improve product design and reflect customer voices, so we created a user journey map.

The user journey map is a visual story of a customer's interaction with a brand. It is a directional infographic that, from the user's perspective, narrates the detailed process and experience of completing a task or achieving a goal in a specific business scenario. To empathize with the user's experience, we drew As-Is and To-Be user journey maps: The As-Is map outlines the current user journey or business process, uncovering user pain points and experiences to identify opportunities for improvement. The To-Be map, based on the As-Is map, presents a new, future user journey or business process designed to address these pain points.

ZJU-China team members conducted a virtual experience to simulate the entire process from using the app to receiving the product. Based on user interview data, we created our As-Is map.

Figure 2 As-Is map.

During this process, we identified several pain points and opportunities, so we issued a survey to investigate people's expectations for product forms and shopping experiences. We summarized and analyzed the data from approximately 150 survey responses, focusing on customer customization needs, potential customer feedback, and price sensitivity:

Customer Customization Needs: Customization reflects consumers' pursuit of personalized expression. Using synthetic biology for clothing customization offers more precise and unique products, which traditional dyeing technologies cannot match. Analysis of the survey data shows that if more options are provided, consumers would be willing to pay a premium for this new experience.

Potential Customer Feedback: Feedback from potential customers reflects their expectations for the product's future development and indicates the market's demand for the technology to be realized. We found that users hope to see the performance of the technology in practical applications, such as the durability of dyeing effects and skin-friendliness. In future promotions, physical demonstrations could be used to help users better understand the value of the technology.

Price Sensitivity:Survey data show that consumers tend to prefer moderately priced customized products. However, given the added value of customization and environmental friendliness, consumers may be willing to accept higher prices. This suggests that the market pricing strategy needs to balance customization with mass-market appeal. We plan to cover a broader audience by introducing a tiered pricing strategy, such as offering both a basic version and a premium custom version.

Click here to view detailed survey results.

Based on public opinions, expert feedback, and ideas from our team members, we developed a solution—the To-Be journey map. Comparing it with the As-Is map, we can see how Neovio Dye will help users address pain points and achieve their goals in the future.

Figure 3 To-Be map.

Policy Background

Both in China and globally, the textile dyeing industry has long been a major source of environmental pollution. Due to its high energy consumption and high pollution, both national and international levels have introduced a series of policies to promote the development of eco-friendly dyeing technologies and regulate the orderly development of the dye industry. These policy backgrounds provide favorable conditions for the promotion and development of Neovio Dye. We explored this series of policies to examine the broader policy environment for enterprise development.

In 2021, China issued the Textile Dyeing and Finishing Industrial Air Pollutant Emission Standards (GB 4287-2012), which strictly regulates pollutant emissions in the textile dyeing industry and advocates for reducing chemical use and promoting cleaner production[4]. Additionally, China's 14th Five-Year Plan emphasizes promoting green manufacturing and products and optimizing industrial structure. Within this context, Neovio Dye uses synthetic biology to achieve dyeing, reducing the use of harmful chemicals and decreasing water pollution, aligning with the country's green development policy direction[5].

On the international stage, the United Nations has been promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide broader policy support for the promotion of environmentally friendly dyeing technologies. Neovio Dye, as an innovative eco-friendly dyeing technology, can reduce the negative environmental impact of traditional dyeing processes and help achieve global sustainable development goals, particularly contributing to SDG#12—sustainable consumption and production patterns[6].

Reference

[1] World Bank. Fashion's Tiny Hidden Secret: Microplastic Pollution. 2019.Available at:https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/02/13/fashions-tiny-hidden-secret-microplastic-pollution. Accessed August 25, 2024.

[2] McKinsey & Company. (2024). The State of Fashion 2024. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/the-state-of-fashion-2024

[3] Analysis of the development status of China's dye industry in 2022, China accounts for 70% of the global dye production, accessed May 20 2024, https://www.huaon.com/channel/trend/841295.html

[4] Wang L, Textile Dyeing and Finishing Industry in China: Environmental Impacts and Policy Responses. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023;20(2):517-533. doi:10.3390/ijerph20020517

[5] National Development and Reform Commission, 14th Five-Year Plan for Ecological Environmental Protection. 2021; Available from: http://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/jd/jd/202110/t20211020_1303521.html

[6] United Nations, The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022; Available from: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2022/

[7] Patent Law of the People's Republic of China (Amended in 2020), accessed August 18 2024, https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2020/11/23/art_97_155167.html

[8] Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China (Amended in 2019), accessed August 18 2024，https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2019/7/30/art_95_28179.html

Competitor Analysis

We analyzed two traditional domestic dyeing companies (Lutai A and Huafu Fashion) and an international synthetic biology dyeing company (Colorfix). Colorfix, like Neovio Dye, is also a synthetic biology company with a similar production model. Through competitor analysis, we also learned a lot. As a fashion brand, we aim to be responsible to manufacturers, nature, and consumers. Our production and operational model aims to minimize social disruption and ensure that people who rely on this industry are not displaced. We hope that with the presence of more companies like Neovio Dye and Colorfix, the world will benefit.

In China's clothing production and dyeing sectors, many enterprises generally use chemical dyes for coloring. This traditional method not only places a heavy burden on the environment but also lacks innovation in color design. Although some companies have begun to explore new eco-friendly technologies and biotechnology for dyeing in recent years, most of them are still in the early stages of development and have not achieved significant breakthroughs in dyeing effects or design innovation. Digital printing, another direction, appears to lack novelty. Neovio Dye's synthetic biology dyeing system marks a major innovation in the industry. Our technology not only diversifies and adds fun to dyeing effects but also achieves significant progress in optimizing production processes, reaching higher environmental standards. Compared to traditional dyeing companies and emerging bio-enterprises, Neovio Dye demonstrates extensive application potential and market prospects.

Another core advantage of Neovio Dye lies in our passionate and experienced R&D team, backed by strong talent resources. This team ensures the technical leadership of our current products and provides solid technical support for future product iterations and technological development. We firmly believe that Neovio Dye’s continued innovation and technical progress will enable the company to stand out in a competitive market and promote sustainable development.

Figure 4 competitors analysis.

SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that visualizes an enterprise's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. To better display Neovio Dye's advantages and disadvantages, we combined product characteristics and created a SWOT analysis chart(Figure 5).

Neovio Dye replaces chemical dyes with biological dyes, making it more environmentally friendly. Our biological memory module highlights the product's novelty and attractiveness. As governments worldwide increase their support for sustainability, Neovio Dye's development gains a competitive edge. We also have opportunities to collaborate with tech companies, environmental organizations, or cultural institutions, expanding brand influence and market share.

However, challenges and threats come with the product’s higher production costs. Compared to traditional chemical dyeing and modern digital printing, Neovio Dye does not currently have a cost advantage. Emerging technologies and materials may at any time replace existing synthetic biology technology. However, we believe that Neovio Dye’s distinctive memory feature, along with future technological advancements and cost reductions, will ultimately overcome these obstacles and secure a place in the fashion industry.

Figure 5 SWOT analysis.

User Portrait

User portrait, also known as personas, are an effective tool for depicting target users and aligning user needs with design directions. We hope that Neovio Dye can reflect the desires of our users, so we created a user portrait to further clarify the product's form and design direction. We categorized Neovio Dye’s target users into the following groups: environmental and innovation technology enthusiasts, cultural heritage inheritors and innovators, clothing manufacturers and dyeing enterprises, brand and designer partners, the high-end custom and luxury market, fashion trendsetters, and educational and research institutions. Next, we will analyze some of these groups in detail.

For environmental enthusiasts, a green and eco-friendly production method is highly appealing. Neovio Dye avoids many production processes that may pollute the environment, while still maintaining the attributes that clothing should possess. Compared to regular garments, it offers several advantages. During the design process of Neovio Dye, we visited cultural heritage inheritors who specialize in dyeing and textile production. They expressed great interest in this product. Currently, many traditional cultures are at risk of disappearing. How to preserve this valuable heritage is a question everyone should consider. Neovio Dye is our synthetic biology-based solution to cultural preservation. Drawing inspiration from traditional tie-dye techniques, we hope this product can help more people learn about and appreciate traditional culture.

Fashion trendsetters are often attracted to novel and interesting products. They are young, stylish, urban individuals with environmental awareness who are enthusiastic about innovation and unique designs. They also highly value a brand's sense of social responsibility and environmental consciousness. For this group, we can focus on conveying eco-friendly ideas, showcasing unique designs, and interacting with customers through product design, brand promotion, and marketing strategies to better attract and serve this target audience.

Figure 6 Customer segmentation strategy.

Reference

[1] World Bank. Fashion's Tiny Hidden Secret: Microplastic Pollution. 2019.Available at:https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/02/13/fashions-tiny-hidden-secret-microplastic-pollution. Accessed August 25, 2024.

[2] McKinsey & Company. (2024). The State of Fashion 2024. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/the-state-of-fashion-2024

[3] Analysis of the development status of China's dye industry in 2022, China accounts for 70% of the global dye production, accessed May 20 2024, https://www.huaon.com/channel/trend/841295.html

[4] Wang L, Textile Dyeing and Finishing Industry in China: Environmental Impacts and Policy Responses. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023;20(2):517-533. doi:10.3390/ijerph20020517

[5] National Development and Reform Commission, 14th Five-Year Plan for Ecological Environmental Protection. 2021; Available from: http://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/jd/jd/202110/t20211020_1303521.html

[6] United Nations, The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022; Available from: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2022/

[7] Patent Law of the People's Republic of China (Amended in 2020), accessed August 18 2024, https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2020/11/23/art_97_155167.html

[8] Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China (Amended in 2019), accessed August 18 2024，https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2019/7/30/art_95_28179.html

Professor Li Yongming is the director of the Intellectual Property and Competition Law Research Center at Zhejiang University, and talking to his students gives us more insights into the current status of intellectual property in the field of synthetic biology in China.For more detailed information, please refer to our Integrated Human Practices wiki page.

According to statistics from China's National Intellectual Property Administration, in the first half of 2024, 74% of invention patent applications were filed by enterprises, highlighting the importance of intellectual property protection in corporate operations. We studied China's Patent Law[7] and Trademark Law[8] on the official website of the National Intellectual Property Administration. The Patent Law was enacted to protect the legitimate rights and interests of patent holders, encourage invention and creation, promote the application of inventions, enhance innovation capabilities, and foster technological advancement and economic development. The Trademark Law was established to strengthen trademark management, protect exclusive trademark rights, and ensure product and service quality, safeguarding both consumers' and businesses' interests while promoting the development of the socialist market economy. Learning these laws will help us protect Neovio Dye's intellectual property.

Although we consulted experts and the university's intellectual property department about intellectual property matters related to synthetic biology projects, we have not yet filed applications to obtain the relevant rights. Before the iGEM Grand Jamboree, our technology and business plan were completely open to the public, which facilitated communication with stakeholders. After the Jamboree, we plan to begin patent and trademark applications to better commercialize the product, protect our technological assets, and expand revenue streams. This is a crucial step in the project's implementation. We have outlined the patent application process in China, as shown in the following diagram.

Figure 7 Patent application timeline.

By the end of 2024, we will submit a trademark application, and during the product technology development phase in 2025, we will submit patent applications for the patents listed in the table. Applying for intellectual property rights can effectively protect the project's innovative achievements, preventing others from copying or using the related technologies without permission. This will safeguard the legal rights of unique dyeing technologies, genetic tools, and light-controlled devices. Additionally, intellectual property provides a competitive advantage in the market, enhances the project's value in investment and financing, and facilitates collaboration with other enterprises or institutions through licensing. We hope that applying for these patents will increase brand trust and public recognition, while also mitigating legal risks. This will ensure our leading position in the technological field and lay a solid foundation for future commercialization and market expansion.

Figure 8 Prospective patent application.

Financial Forecast

We will need three years to start turning a profit. Significant R&D costs are required upfront and the most critical aspect during this phase will be securing funding.

Before the launch of the product, the early part of the research and development investment is supported by the financial support of the college of Life Sciences of Zhejiang University, and the remaining part is applied for government subsidies. On the other hand, venture capital is used to meet the financing needs of enterprises. We also consider cooperating with printing and dyeing textile enterprises for joint development to strengthen financial support. In the initial stage, the company's main expenses are labor costs and research and development costs, and in the middle stage, it can basically achieve financial balance through product sales, patent profits, cooperation and other ways.

The main source of the company's financing in 2024-2025 is venture capital, which is mainly used for research and development and promotion operations. The forecast demand for venture capital in each year is shown in the table below:

Figure 9 Statement of capital requirements. (Unit:Yuan)

Neovio Dye is in the early stages of development, and the fashion industry is highly volatile. The novelty of our memory modules may not last long, requiring us to flexibly adjust our product based on market conditions. As a result, we decided to estimate costs on a quarterly basis. This method helps us promptly adjust strategies, track short-term cash flow and cost structure changes, and better categorize fixed and variable costs to control expenses and optimize operations accurately.

Upfront R&D expenditures account for a significant portion of our costs. Neovio Dye insists on high investment in product technology, building on the existing memory and random modules. The company will continue to develop synthetic biology technology and improve genetic pathways to achieve more precise and diverse dyeing effects. In 2025, Neovio Dye’s marketing expenses will be high. As a high-tech enterprise in its product-focused growth phase, the company will need extensive online and offline promotions. On the consumer side, we will establish initial contact with customers, and on the business side, we will begin collaborations with companies. Additionally, we will increase exposure through government bids and other activities, attracting more clients from various sectors and creating a strong brand effect.

Figure 10 Cost forecast. (Unit:Yuan)

Neovio Dye's profit model revolves around two core streams: personalized custom dyeing services and partnership/franchise models. By offering a unique dyeing experience, Neovio Dye meets the market demand for eco-friendly and personalized products. By charging fees for these services, we aim to establish a stable revenue stream. At the same time, by partnering with fashion brands and retailers, Neovio Dye expands additional income channels through patent technology licensing and brand franchising, further enhancing the project's commercial value and profitability. Based on this, we have forecasted Neovio Dye’s annual revenue for the future five years.

Figure 11 Neovio Dye Annual Revenue Forecast (Unit: ten thousand yuan).

Business Canvas

The business model canvas helps us systematically analyze and plan for Neovio Dye, ensuring that we target the right users and effectively solve problems. It standardizes the elements within the business model and emphasizes the interactions between them. This not only provides more flexible planning but also makes it easier to meet users' needs. Based on Neovio Dye's design plan, we created a business model canvas. It showcases our value proposition, key customers, and selling points.

Figure 12 business model canvas.

Company Governance

Neovio Dye is an innovative company dedicated to upgrading the dyeing industry through synthetic biology. Its primary product is synthetic biology-dyed textiles. The dyeing process is based on engineered microorganisms, which can achieve multiple dyeing effects under the induction of different colored lights and substances. Users can place custom orders via an app for personalized products. The factory will carry out synchronous microbial production and dyeing, and after some time, the customized product will be delivered.

Our team is based at Zhejiang University, established in 1987, a renowned and prestigious institution located in the historical and cultural city of Hangzhou, a significant hub for China's internet development. We operate in one of China's most innovative cities, which inspires our team's creativity. Our team is part of the Comprehensive Innovation and Open Laboratory of Zhejiang University, consisting of 14 undergraduate students from diverse fields such as clinical medicine, biological sciences, and computer science. We also have two professional consultants with extensive experience in synthetic biology research and innovation. In addition to technological breakthroughs, we are committed to establishing an end-to-end production line from user ordering to bacterial dyeing. We provide users with personalized services via our app, allowing them to easily design and order custom-dyed clothing. Our microbial dyeing technology is not only eco-friendly but also capable of producing colors and patterns that traditional dyeing methods cannot achieve. Neovio Dye is forging a new chapter in the fashion industry, leading fashion toward a more sustainable and personalized future through synthetic biology.

Given the diversity of products and business needs, as well as the rapid iteration of products, we adopted a divisional cluster structure for our team. This includes the Technology R&D Cluster, Customer Experience & Customization Service Cluster, and Market Operations Cluster, ensuring that each part can function effectively. Each cluster has a leader who reports directly to the core decision-making team, led by the company’s CEO.

After registering the company, the equity will be allocated as follows: the CEO will hold 51% to maintain relative control, the CTO will hold 30%, 15% will be reserved for future distribution, and 4% will be allocated as incentive equity.

Entrepreneurship Pitch

We have also designed a special presentation for Neovio Dye’s product pitch. Please click on the presentation below to learn more about Neovio Dye.

From small scale pilot to full implementation

Regarding the launch of Neovio Dye, we aim to start with a small-scale pilot program, followed by expanding our partner network, establishing government collaborations, gathering consumer feedback for product iterations, and exploring financing options, ultimately leading to the full implementation of the project.

To gain a clearer understanding of customers' perspectives on product dyeing, we invited some students from Zhejiang University to our lab for an open day. Our team members demonstrated the dyeing process for them, showing how to pipette bacterial solutions into multi-well plates to create desired patterns, and then let them experience the process themselves. "I found this process really fascinating. It allows me to create my own patterns like painting, and I want to share this with people around me and invite them to try it out too," said one of the students. After this small-scale pilot project, we received a lot of positive feedback, which has given us some confidence in the launch of Neovio Dye

Dyeing experience site.

Our first attempt at commercialization came in July 2024, when we participated in the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024. During the initial round of project presentations, the judges gave our design unanimous praise, recognizing its commercial potential and expressing their hope to see it promoted in shopping malls one day. In August, we also participated in the SynBio Challenge, where during a roundtable discussion, one of our team members had a pleasant conversation with Academician Ouyang Qi, the Lead Scientist of Synthetic Biology at the Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Zhejiang University. The professor was optimistic about the experimental predictions of our project and expressed strong support for its advancement.

The guidance of entrepreneurial experts was indispensable in the process of advancing Neovio Dye, making our practices more professional and helping us achieve our goals sooner. We first reached out to Professor Xiaoyi Wang from the college of Management, who currently serves as the Vice Dean in charge of Professional Degree Education. He believed that our project had great entrepreneurial potential and expressed his willingness to help further industrialize Neovio Dye. We also had exchanges with Professor Xiang, a faculty member of the Institute of Marketing Management at the college of Management. He provided us with many suggestions in marketing and established in-depth cooperation with us. Additionally, he recommended the responsible teacher from the Intellectual Property Center of Zhejiang University to us.

Discuss project implementation with professor

We have established preliminary partnerships with several companies within the industry:

Shaoxing Qiyu Limited Liability Company: Qiyu is a textile printing and dyeing enterprise that also provides import and export services for goods. During our inspection, we discovered that Qiyu also adopts eco-friendly dyeing auxiliaries, which aligns with our philosophy. After visiting the factory's production process, we engaged in a discussion and project presentation with the company's management. She expressed that the memory part dyeing of this project is quite memorable. During the financing discussion, she showed strong willingness to cooperate and believed that once the project has a comprehensive business plan, she would be willing to invest in this promising project. She also looked forward to seeing the promotion of this concept in China.

ZJU-China is promoting the project.

m-seen Sustainable Architecture Company: CaiJian (m-seen in English context) is a domestic company in China that focuses on the research, development, and promotion of sustainable building materials, gathering leading enterprises from various fields within the building materials industry. We reached out to the head of CaiJian and conducted an online meeting to discuss issues related to project implementation. She believed that our product aligns well with the concept of sustainability and was willing to help us connect with more companies to provide fabric dyeing services, thus ensuring a stable upstream raw material source for us. m-seen will be a powerful partner for us

Bio-Loop: Bio-Loop is a biotechnology company specializing in the production of biodegradable packaging materials, striving to liberate consumers from harmful, toxic, and unsustainable packaging waste. m-seen recommended Bio-Loop as a potential collaborator to us. We had a meeting with Mr. Wei, the CEO of Bio-Loop, along with representatives from m-seen. Mr. Wei showed a keen interest in our project.

We also engaged in exchanges with governmental departments to ensure that the implementation of Neovio Dye is backed by solid policies. The China National Textile And Apparel Council (CNTAC) Dyeing and Printing Industry Branch, established in March 1995, promotes the sustained, stable, and healthy development of China's dyeing and printing industry. In the first half of the year, we sent emails and conducted phone communications with the official authorities, introducing our project and discussing the future industrialization of Neovio Dye. We mentioned that the application of synthetic biology will bring certain impacts to the dyeing industry. They expressed their expectation that we could join the CNTAC Dyeing and Printing Industry Branch in the future to contribute to the industrial transformation and upgrading.The Intellectual Property Information Service Center of Zhejiang University was established in August 2018, providing services such as patent searches and intellectual property courses. With the introduction of Professor Xiang, we contacted the university's intellectual property department to discuss issues related to intellectual property. The university expressed its willingness to provide undergraduates with an opportunity to apply for intellectual property rights and looked forward to seeing our bold attempts

Through these practices, we have confirmed that the industrialization of Neovio Dye has a certain customer base. We have established solid cooperative relationships with multiple companies and governmental departments and obtained financing opportunities. We plan to start the first round of venture capital financing and register our company at the end of 2024. In 2025, we will further develop our technology to build a solid technological barrier, increase promotion and publicity efforts, and gradually implement the full launch of the project.

Reference

[1] World Bank. Fashion's Tiny Hidden Secret: Microplastic Pollution. 2019.Available at:https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/02/13/fashions-tiny-hidden-secret-microplastic-pollution. Accessed August 25, 2024.

[2] McKinsey & Company. (2024). The State of Fashion 2024. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/the-state-of-fashion-2024

[3] Analysis of the development status of China's dye industry in 2022, China accounts for 70% of the global dye production, accessed May 20 2024, https://www.huaon.com/channel/trend/841295.html

[4] Wang L, Textile Dyeing and Finishing Industry in China: Environmental Impacts and Policy Responses. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023;20(2):517-533. doi:10.3390/ijerph20020517

[5] National Development and Reform Commission, 14th Five-Year Plan for Ecological Environmental Protection. 2021; Available from: http://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/jd/jd/202110/t20211020_1303521.html

[6] United Nations, The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022; Available from: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2022/

[7] Patent Law of the People's Republic of China (Amended in 2020), accessed August 18 2024, https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2020/11/23/art_97_155167.html

[8] Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China (Amended in 2019), accessed August 18 2024，https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2019/7/30/art_95_28179.html