There are several areas of my top unmet-needs in the market with substantial size markets for those interested in bringing to market one or more new technologies.  Several revolve around chemistry or fibers, others filtration, polymers or textiles/nonwoven fabrics and some cross-over segments.  There are always others, but these are low-hanging fruit.  See below:

Chemistry:

• Create a low-viscosity liquid (water-like) for a combined oleophobic and hydrophobic semi-permanent to permanent finish for textiles and nonwoven fabrics without fluorine content (Up to $1 billion* in chemical sales).  Market growth potential ++

Fiber:

• An FR and Non-FR textile fiber (perhaps thermoset) with high-strength (30 gpd or higher) to challenge existing technologies, Downstream products meaningfully larger (over $1 billion).  Market growth potential +
• A new polymer and fiber to Challenge meta and para Aramid ($4 billion +)

Filtration:

• Reduced energy cost reverse osmosis process. (up to $5 billion+ *  **) Market growth potential +++
• A competitive nonwoven polyolefin spunbond-like nonwoven fabric with improved fiber distribution, ideally with balanced tenacity in the MD & CD. (Up to $100 million* for roll stock).  Market growth potential +
• Microporous and/or reverse osmosis membrane with high flow (flux) rates.  5 billion potential
• Improved airflow filtration media with finer filtration below 10 microns with greater dirt holding for use in HVAC filters  ($1 billion*)  market growth potential +

Metal:

• A Less expensive method to produce 304/316 stainless steel 2 to 8 micron filament  yarn with no broken fibers ($100 million*)  Market growth potential +
• Method to make high-alloy metals at lower cost e.g. stainless steel, titanium, Hastelloy etc. ($10 billion+) Market growth potential+ to +++

Polymer/Compound:

• A minimum of 85% PLA polylactic acid compound with much improved compression set and abrasion fiber properties with additives of no more than 15% ($1 billion*, $5 billion for downstream fiber forms).  Market growth potential +
• An new bio-polymer to challenge PLA (#6 above) Now +  5 years +++

Textile/Nonwoven Fabrics:

• A competitive nonwoven polyolefin spunbond-like nonwoven fabric with improved fiber distribution, ideally with balanced tenacity in the MD & CD. (Up to $100 million* for roll stock).  Market growth potential +
• A competitive 3D printing process capable of making wide width plastic films/sheet and/or fabrics/nonwovens as roll stock.  (combined materials, $10 billion*  **) Market growth potential ++
• An alternative to carbon fiber.

Annual growth potential with commercialization and market acceptance of the technology:

+ = 0 to 5%
++ = 5 to 10%
+++ = 10 to 20%

* Current estimated market potential   ** Dependent on level of efficiency and system created.