- Session highlights research funding, specialty fibres, industry collaboration and student opportunities under the National Technical Textiles Mission
Roorkee: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee hosted a delegation from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, led by Shri Bhaskar Kalra, Under Secretary (SF&TT), along with Shri Sumit Parmar, for an interaction focused on opportunities in technical textiles research, innovation and skill development.
During the visit, the Ministry delegation interacted with faculty members, researchers and students at IIT Roorkee and presented opportunities available under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).
The National Technical Textiles Mission is a Government of India initiative focused on strengthening India's capabilities in technical textiles through research, innovation, indigenous development, market development and skill creation. The mission was launched with a focus on positioning India as a global leader in the technical textiles sector.
Focus on Research Funding Under NTTM
A major part of the interaction focused on research funding available through the National Technical Textiles Mission.
The session highlighted opportunities for research in specialty fibres, including:
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Carbon fibre
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Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
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Nylon 6,6
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Ceramic fibres
These materials have applications in strategic and high-performance areas, making indigenous research and development important for strengthening domestic capabilities.
The Ministry also highlighted the scope for projects involving industry partners, with the objective of strengthening the pathway from research and development to commercialisation.
Opportunities for Students and Researchers
The interaction also provided students and researchers at IIT Roorkee with information about opportunities available under NTTM, including the Grant for Internship Support in Technical Textiles (GIST) initiative.
The Ministry of Textiles has previously stated that GIST is designed to provide exposure and on-the-job training to engineering and professional undergraduate students working in different application areas of technical textiles.
The initiative is intended to strengthen academic-industry linkages and support the development of skilled professionals for the technical textiles sector.
NTTM's Research and Innovation Focus
The National Technical Textiles Mission includes research, innovation and development as one of its major areas of focus. Government documents have identified areas such as carbon fibre, aramid fibre, nylon fibre and composites for research, along with application-oriented areas including geotextiles, agro-textiles, medical textiles and other technical textile applications.
The Ministry has also supported research projects involving IITs and other research institutions. Government records include IIT Roorkee among institutions that have received support for approved NTTM research projects.
Growing Opportunities in Technical Textiles
According to information shared during the IIT Roorkee interaction, the Mission has so far supported 184 research projects, 31 startups and 47 educational initiatives across the country.
The Ministry of Textiles has also reported continued activity under NTTM in research, market development, education and innovation. In July 2026, the Ministry reported that India's technical textiles sector recorded a trade surplus of ₹3,420.20 crore in FY 2025-26, with exports of ₹29,217.60 crore and imports of ₹25,797.40 crore.
IIT Roorkee and Ministry of Textiles Partnership
The interaction provided a platform for faculty members, researchers and students to understand the research and funding opportunities available in the technical textiles sector.
IIT Roorkee stated that it looks forward to a sustained partnership with the Ministry of Textiles to advance research, innovation and skill development in technical textiles.
The engagement also underlines the role of academic institutions in developing indigenous technologies and skilled human resources for a sector that has applications across strategic, industrial and infrastructure-related areas.
FAQs
1. Who visited IIT Roorkee for the technical textiles interaction?
A delegation from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, led by Shri Bhaskar Kalra, Under Secretary (SF&TT), along with Shri Sumit Parmar, visited IIT Roorkee.
2. What was the purpose of the Ministry of Textiles delegation's visit?
The delegation interacted with faculty members, researchers and students and presented opportunities available under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).
3. What is the National Technical Textiles Mission?
The National Technical Textiles Mission is a Government of India initiative aimed at strengthening India's technical textiles sector through research, innovation, indigenous development, market development and skill development.
4. Which specialty fibres were discussed during the IIT Roorkee session?
The session highlighted research opportunities involving carbon fibre, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), nylon 6,6 and ceramic fibres.
5. Are industry collaborations encouraged under NTTM?
Yes. The interaction highlighted opportunities for projects involving industry partners, particularly to strengthen the transition from research and development towards commercialisation.
6. What is GIST in technical textiles?
GIST refers to the Grant for Internship Support in Technical Textiles. It is intended to provide exposure and on-the-job training to eligible engineering and professional undergraduate students in technical textiles and related application areas.
7. How many research projects has NTTM supported according to the IIT Roorkee information?
The information shared for the IIT Roorkee interaction states that NTTM has supported 184 research projects to date.
8. How many startups and educational initiatives have been supported?
According to the information shared during the interaction, the Mission has supported 31 startups and 47 educational initiatives across the country.
9. What areas will IIT Roorkee and the Ministry of Textiles focus on?
The interaction highlighted research, innovation, industry collaboration and skill development in the technical textiles sector.
10. Why are specialty fibres important for technical textiles?
Specialty fibres such as carbon fibre, UHMWPE, nylon 6,6 and ceramic fibres can be used in high-performance and strategic applications, making research and indigenous development relevant to domestic technological capabilities.
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