16 New Research Projects Approved Under Technical Textiles Mission

New Delhi, Mar 11 (KNN) The government has approved 16 new research projects under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) aimed at promoting indigenous development of advanced technical textile products, including high-performance fibres, smart and functional textiles among others.

In written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said that the approved projects are intended to strengthen research, innovation and domestic manufacturing capabilities in the technical textiles sector.

Under Component-I of the NTTM, which focuses on fundamental research, the government is supporting the development of specialty fibres such as carbon fibre, aramid fibre, nylon fibre and Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). 

As part of this effort, a project for the indigenous development of intermediate modulus grade carbon fibre has been approved for the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories.

The mission also includes a dedicated initiative titled “Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)” to promote innovation and support startups in the sector. 

The programme aims to assist young innovators, scientists, technologists and startup ventures in translating research ideas into commercially viable products and technologies.

Under the GREAT scheme, financial assistance of up to Rs 50 lakh is provided to each approved startup. So far, 31 startups have been supported under the mission with a total funding of Rs 15.40 crore.

The Ministry of Textiles is also promoting the mandatory use of indigenous geotextiles in infrastructure development, particularly in road construction in hilly and challenging terrains. 

This initiative is being implemented in coordination with other ministries, including the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which have issued guidelines encouraging the use of geosynthetic materials such as geocells, geocomposites and geogrids in highway construction and maintenance.

According to data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), India’s exports of technical textiles during the current financial year up to December 2025 stood at Rs 21,970 crore, compared to imports of Rs 18,953 crore, resulting in a trade surplus of Rs 3,017 crore.

Over the past three financial years, exports of technical textiles have shown steady growth. Exports increased from Rs 23,050 crore in 2022–23 to Rs 24,724 crore in 2023–24 and further to Rs 28,392 crore in 2024–25. 

During the current financial year 2025–26 (April–December 2025), exports of technical textiles have reached Rs 21,970 crore compared to imports of Rs 18,953 crore, resulting in a trade surplus of Rs 3,017 crore.

(KNN Bureau)