The Ministry of Textiles has taken a significant step to boost the technical textiles sector, approving grants for two start-ups and six educational institutes under the National Technical Textiles Mission. These initiatives were finalized during the 9th Empowered Programe Committee (EPC) meeting chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, on December 5, 2024.
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Technical Textiles SectorUnder the ‘Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)’ scheme, two start-ups will receive grants of approximately ₹50 lakh each. These start-ups focus on strategic areas such as Sustainable Textiles and Medical Textiles, emphasizing innovation and sustainability. Their projects aim to address emerging needs and drive growth in these specialized fields of the textile industry.
Additionally, the committee has approved a grant of approximately ₹14 crore to six educational institutes, including premier institutions such as the IITs. These funds will be utilized to introduce new courses in technical textiles under the ‘General Guidelines for Enabling of Academic Institutes in Technical Textiles.’ The proposed programs include specialized B. Tech courses focusing on various applications of technical textiles, including Medical Textiles, Mobile Textiles, Geotextiles, and Geosynthetics.
Technical textiles, a rapidly growing segment, cater to high-performance applications across industries such as healthcare, construction, agriculture, and defense. These new educational initiatives aim to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of this sector. By promoting innovation and fostering technical expertise, the government seeks to enhance India’s global competitiveness in technical textiles.
The National Technical Textiles Mission continues to drive growth in this high-potential area, with a focus on fostering entrepreneurship, academic excellence, and sustainable practices. The approved grants represent a key effort toward strengthening India’s position as a leader in the global technical textiles market.