Ministry of Textiles approves 12 research projects worth INR 13 Crores under the National Technical Textiles Mission

New Delhi , 12 November , 2024- The 10^th Mission Steering Group under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Textiles has approved 12 research projects of value INR 13.3 Cr. under the National Technical Textiles Mission. The research projects were approved across key strategic areas of geotextiles, sustainable and smart textiles, composites, etc. The approved projects were proposed by eminent research bodies and institutions including IITs, NITs, CRRI, etc. The total number of approved research projects under the Mission now stands at 168 with a total value of approx. INR 509 Cr.

With the release of the new IPR guidelines under the Mission, Shri Giriraj Singh urged the industry to actively participate in research projects.

National Technical Textiles Mission is a flagship scheme of Ministry of Textiles focused on developing the research and development capabilities of the local industry, especially in the areas of high performance fibre development.

The Ministry of Textiles in India recently approved a budget of INR 13 crore to fund 12 innovative research projects under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). This mission, established with the aim of promoting advancements and applications in the technical textiles sector, underscores the government’s commitment to driving the country’s textile industry towards more specialized and high-value production.

A Step Forward for Technical Textiles

Technical textiles refer to textile materials and products manufactured primarily for technical performance and functional properties rather than aesthetics. Unlike traditional textiles used in clothing and decor, technical textiles cater to industries such as healthcare, automotive, construction, agriculture, and defense. This segment holds significant potential for growth, with global demand increasing due to its versatility and essential applications.

The projects approved span diverse fields, including healthcare, sustainable materials, and defense, among others, and aim to address specific industrial challenges while advancing innovative solutions. By investing in technical textiles, the ministry hopes to strengthen India’s position in the global market as a producer of advanced, application-specific textile solutions.

Focus Areas and Key Project Themes

Each project under the NTTM is aligned with critical national needs, targeting areas like:

1. Healthcare and Hygiene: Projects in this category focus on developing textiles with antimicrobial, anti-viral, and other health-promoting properties, which have gained significant importance post-pandemic. Technical textiles in healthcare can aid in creating safer, more durable, and cost-effective medical disposables and protective gear.
2. Defense and Security: Technical textiles play an important role in defense applications by providing enhanced durability, protection, and efficiency. Research in this area may include developing advanced uniforms, parachutes, protective gear, and fabrics that offer ballistic resistance, thermal protection, or camouflage capabilities.
3. Sustainable and Eco-friendly Materials: In response to growing environmental concerns, several approved projects aim to explore biodegradable and sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. This aligns with global sustainability goals and India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
4. Industrial Applications: From high-strength fabrics for construction and geotextiles for infrastructure projects to fire-retardant and high-resistance materials, these projects cater to a wide range of industries, ensuring high-performance standards in challenging environments.