GREAT SCHEME

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Context: The Union Ministry of Textiles has approved startups in the field of Technical Textiles to promote innovation and sustainability and drive transformative developments in the industry.

Key initiatives and developments

Startups in Technical Textiles

• The Ministry has approved startup proposals under the GREAT (Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles) scheme. This initiative aims to support young innovators, scientists, technologists, and startup ventures in developing commercial technologies/products in technical textiles.
• As of the latest update, 7 startup proposals have been approved under the GREAT scheme. Each startup can receive up to INR 50 lakhs in funding support from the Government of India (GOI).
• The startups focus on areas such as sustainability, composites, high-performance textiles, Meditech (medical textiles), and smart textiles. Examples include developments in braided composites for military applications, surgical simulation models using composites, and nano-fibre-infused textiles for energy generation and sensing.

Academic Integration and Infrastructure Development

• IIT Guwahati has been allocated approximately INR 6.4 crores under NTTM’s guidelines to introduce new papers/subjects in technical textiles and upgrade laboratory infrastructure within its Civil Engineering Department.
• This initiative aims to enhance the institute's capabilities in technical textiles, particularly in the domain of geotextiles, to cater to the unique geographical and environmental conditions of the Northeast Region (NER). It positions IIT Guwahati as a key institution capable of providing technical consultancy and support for regional development.

Significance and Impact

• Promoting Innovation: By supporting startups and academic institutions, NTTM encourages innovation and entrepreneurship in technical textiles, which are crucial for advancing India’s capabilities in manufacturing and technology-oriented sectors.
• Sustainability and Self-Reliance: Initiatives under NTTM focus on promoting sustainability through the development of eco-friendly textiles and enhancing India’s self-reliance in critical areas such as defence, healthcare, and infrastructure.
• Academic Empowerment: Funding for academic institutions like IIT Guwahati not only strengthens their research and educational capabilities but also contributes to regional development by addressing local needs through specialized technical solutions.

Way Forward

• Expansion and Collaboration: Continued support for startups and academic institutions under NTTM is expected to drive further advancements in technical textiles. Collaboration between industry, academia, and government bodies will be crucial for scaling innovations and achieving broader socio-economic impacts.
• Technology Adoption: Emphasis on smart textiles and advanced materials will likely lead to the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in various sectors, enhancing product performance and efficiency.

Conclusion

• The initiatives by the Ministry of Textiles under NTTM demonstrate a proactive approach towards fostering innovation, sustainability, and academic empowerment in technical textiles. These efforts are aligned with India’s goals of becoming a leader in high-value manufacturing and technology-driven solutions in the global market.

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