EPC Approves Grant of Rs 20 Crore to 5 Educational Institutes to Introduce Technical Textiles Courses

An Empowered Programme Committee (EPC) under the National Technical Textiles Mission has approved four Start-Ups with a grant of approximately Rs 50 Lakh each, under the ‘Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)’ scheme. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the panel chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, according to an official release.

The approved Start-Up projects are focused on key strategic areas of Composites, Sustainable Textiles, and Smart Textiles. The committee also approved a grant of Rs 20 Crore to five educational institutes to introduce courses in Technical Textiles under the ‘General Guidelines for Enabling of Academic Institutes in Technical Textiles’.

The approved Education Institutes have proposed to introduce a new B.Tech courses in different fields and applications of Technical Textiles including Geo-textiles, Geo-synthetics, Composites, and Civil Structures, the release added.

What is Technical Textile?

Technical textiles are engineered products with specific functionality. They are created from both natural and man-made fibers such as Nomex, Kevlar, Spandex, and Twaron, which have superior functional features such as increased tenacity, good insulation, and thermal resistance, among others. These products find application in a variety of non-traditional textile industries, including healthcare, construction, automotive, aerospace, sports, defense, and agriculture. In light of technological improvements, countries are organizing their sectors to accommodate technical textiles.