Ministry of Textiles Boosts Innovation in Technical Textiles

Ministry of Textiles Boosts Innovation in Technical Textiles

The Ministry of Textiles in India has taken significant steps to promote innovation and sustainability in the technical textiles sector. This effort aims to foster transformative developments and enhance the country’s self-reliance in this critical industry.

National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

  • Objective: To boost innovation and sustainability in technical textiles.
  • Leadership: Smt. Rachna Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, chairs the Empowered Programme Committee (EPC).
  • Recent Developments: Approval of startup proposals under the GREAT scheme.

GREAT Scheme Overview

  • Purpose: Supports young innovators, scientists, technologists, and startups to develop commercial technologies in technical textiles.
  • Support: Grants up to INR 50 lakhs per startup for prototypes and commercialization.

Approved Startups and Their Innovations

  • Examples: Braided Composites for Military applications, Radmone Integrated IFF Antenna, Surgical Simulation models, Nano-fibre infused textiles for energy generation and sensing.

Academic Support and Grants

  • Grant to IIT Guwahati: Approximately INR 6.4 crores for new papers/subjects and laboratory upgrades in technical textiles.
  • Purpose: Enhance infrastructure for geotextiles and support regional development in the North East Region.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:

  1. What is the primary objective of the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)?
    • A) Promote traditional textile manufacturing
    • B) Boost innovation and sustainability in technical textiles
    • C) Export raw materials for textile production
    • D) Support art and craft textiles
    Answer: B) Boost innovation and sustainability in technical textiles
  2. Under the GREAT scheme, what maximum amount of funding can a startup receive?
    • A) INR 1 crore
    • B) INR 50 lakhs
    • C) INR 10 lakhs
    • D) INR 5 crores
    Answer: B) INR 50 lakhs
  3. Which institute received a grant for upgrading its laboratory infrastructure in technical textiles?
    • A) IIT Bombay
    • B) IIT Delhi
    • C) IIT Guwahati
    • D) IIT Madras
    Answer: C) IIT Guwahati
  4. What types of innovations are being supported under the GREAT scheme?
    • A) Traditional textile designs
    • B) Sustainable fashion products
    • C) Medical textiles and high-performance materials
    • D) Artisanal handloom textiles
    Answer: C) Medical textiles and high-performance materials
  5. Who chairs the Empowered Programme Committee (EPC) of the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)?
    • A) Prime Minister of India
    • B) Minister of Textiles
    • C) Secretary, Ministry of Textiles
    • D) President of India
    Answer: C) Secretary, Ministry of Textiles