National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), Aim and Key Initiatives

Learn about the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), its objectives, government initiatives, and its role in boosting India’s technical textile industry for global competitiveness.

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Context: The National Technical Textiles Mission has completed five years since its launch. The Ministry of Textiles approves 12 research projects under the National Technical Textiles Mission.

About National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) was launched by the Ministry of Textiles in 2020 to increase the penetration level of technical textiles in India.
India is the 6th largest exporter of textiles globally, holding a 9% share in world textile exports.
The textile sector contributes nearly 2% to India’s GDP and is expected to grow to $350 billion by 2030.

Aim of the Mission

To boost research, innovation, domestic production and exports in technical textiles.
To position India as a global leader in technical textiles.
To expand the domestic technical textile market to $40–50 billion by 2024, targeting an average annual growth rate of 15–20%.

Technical Textiles

They are specialised textile materials and products designed primarily for their functional properties rather than aesthetic appeal.
They are engineered for specific applications across various industries, emphasising performance characteristics such as strength, durability and resistance to environmental factors.
These products are broadly classified into 12 different categories– Agrotech, Oekotech, Buildtech, Meditech, Geotech, Clothtech, Mobiltech, Hometech, Sportstech, Indutech, Protech, and Packtech.

Also Read: India’s Textiles Industry

Key Initiatives Under NTTM

Grant for Internship Support for Technical Textiles (GIST 2.0): Provides hands-on training to students in technical textiles.
Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship Across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) Scheme: Launched in August 2023 to fund startups and entrepreneurs in technical textiles.
Skill Development Programs: Aim to train 50,000 individuals in technical textiles.
Technotex 2024 (Part of Bharat Tex 2024): A major global event showcasing India’s technical textiles industry.

What are Technical textiles?

Technical textiles are specialised textile materials and products designed primarily for their functional properties rather than aesthetic appeal.
They are engineered for specific applications across various industries, emphasising performance characteristics such as strength, durability and resistance to environmental factors.