Textile Ministry Offers Grants to Promote Innovation in Technical Textiles
The Ministry of Textiles in India has announced a new initiative to promote innovation in the technical textiles industry. Under the Startup Guidelines for Technical Textiles, startups and individuals can now apply for a grant-in-aid of up to Rs 50 lakh (approximately $68,000) to support their research and entrepreneurship efforts in the niche sector.
The grant, known as the Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT), will be provided for a period of up to 18 months. The funds can be used for various purposes, including translating prototypes into technologies and products, as well as supporting their commercialization.
The Ministry of Textiles is keen on developing the startup ecosystem in the technical textiles sector. The guidelines are specifically designed to support individuals and companies in the transition from prototypes to market-ready products. Incubators such as IITs, NITs, Textiles Research Associations, and Centers of Excellence will play a crucial role in providing support to startups and individuals.
India Approves Startup Guidelines for Technical Textiles to Foster Innovation
The ministry aims to support 100-150 startups through the GREAT scheme. To encourage authenticity and commitment, selected startups will be required to invest a minimum of 10 percent of the funding in two equal installments. This requirement ensures that the startups have a significant stake in the success of their projects.
In addition to the grants provided to startups and individuals, the textile ministry will also allocate 10 percent of the total grant-in-aid to incubators. This additional funding will further support the growth and development of the technical textiles startup ecosystem in India.
To streamline the application process, an online portal will be developed within the next 10-15 days to invite applications from interested parties. The scheme will align with the goals of the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), which aims to promote research, development, and commercialization of technical textiles in India.
The startup guidelines (GREAT) cover various sub-segments of technical textiles, including bio-degradable and sustainable textiles, high-performance and specialty fibers, and smart textiles. By focusing on these niche areas, the ministry hopes to foster innovation and drive growth in the technical textiles industry.
The textiles ministry has also approved funding for 26 institutions to upgrade their laboratory infrastructure and train trainers in the application areas of technical textiles. Additionally, applications from these institutions for the introduction of technical textile courses and new degree programs have been approved.
The introduction of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for technical textiles is another significant development. The ministry has already notified QCOs for 31 technical textiles products, including geotextiles and protective textiles. These QCOs will come into effect from October 7, 2023. Furthermore, QCOs for 28 more products, such as agrotextiles and medical textiles, are in the final stages of issuance and are expected to be implemented in September 2023.
The Textile Ministry’s initiatives aim to create a supportive ecosystem for startups and individuals in the technical textiles industry. By providing grants and implementing quality control measures, the ministry is paving the way for innovation, growth, and sustainability in this niche sector.
