In a strategic move to promote innovation and sustainability in the technical textiles sector, the Ministry of Textiles has announced the approval of startup proposals under the National Technical Textiles Mission. Led by Smt. Rachna Shah, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, the Empowered Programme Committee of NTTM has greenlit initiatives aimed at nurturing young innovators, scientists, technologists, and startup ventures in the field of technical textiles.
The NTTM's Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles is designed to empower individuals and startups to develop functional prototypes and commercialize technologies in technical textiles, contributing to India's self-reliance in this critical industry. The EPC has approved seven startup proposals under the GREAT scheme, with each startup eligible for a maximum fund support of INR 50 lakhs from the Government of India.
These approved startup proposals focus on key areas such as sustainability, composites, high-performance textiles, meditech, and smart textiles, driving significant advancements in technological applications within the technical textiles domain. Notable projects include the development of braided composites for military applications, nano-fibre-infused textiles for energy generation, and surgical stimulation models made from composites for medical training.
Furthermore, the EPC has allocated a grant of approximately INR 6.4 crores to IIT Guwahati to enhance its laboratory infrastructure and introduce new papers/subjects in technical textiles within its Civil Engineering Department. This initiative aims to equip the institute with the necessary resources to address regional challenges by focusing on geotextiles and expanding its technical consultancy services in the North East Region, positioning IIT Guwahati as a key enabler of development in the area.
