In a significant boost to India’s growing technical textiles sector, the Ministry of Textiles has approved funding for four start-ups and five educational institutions, marking a milestone in the National Technical Textiles Mission. During the 8th Empowered Programme Committee (EPC) meeting, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, at Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi, key decisions were made to advance research, entrepreneurship, and education in technical textiles.
Focus on Start-Ups
Under the ‘Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)’ scheme, four innovative start-ups have been approved for grants, each receiving approximately INR 50 lakh. These start-ups focus on strategic areas including composites, sustainable textiles, and smart textiles. The inclusion of these companies in the initiative emphasizes the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in this emerging field.
The technical textiles sector is seen as pivotal to India’s future economic development, providing advanced materials used in industries such as automotive, construction, healthcare, and agriculture. The emphasis on sustainability aligns with India’s global commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs) and positions the country as a leader in cutting-edge textile technologies.
Boost to Education in Technical Textiles
The EPC also approved a grant of INR 20 crore to five educational institutes, including prestigious National Institutes of Technology (NITs). These funds will facilitate the introduction of B.Tech courses specializing in various aspects of technical textiles, such as geotextiles, geosynthetics, composites, and their applications in civil engineering and other structures.
These courses aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to drive the future of technical textiles in India. By integrating specialized education with practical applications, the government seeks to create a skilled workforce capable of meeting the growing demands of the industry.
National Technical Textiles Mission
The National Technical Textiles Mission, launched to promote innovation, research, and development in technical textiles, focuses on making India a global leader in this domain. With an increasing number of start-ups and educational programs being introduced, the mission aims to increase domestic production, reduce dependency on imports, and create job opportunities within the sector.
Conclusion
The government’s support for start-ups and academic institutions in the field of technical textiles underscores its long-term vision for the sector. By promoting innovation and education, the initiative seeks to drive India’s global competitiveness, foster sustainability, and create a future-ready workforce. With the National Technical Textiles Mission continuing to gain momentum, India is poised to become a major player in the international technical textiles market.