How India is Stitching the Future: Modi Govt’s Bold Push for Startups

How is the Modi government boosting India's technical textiles sector? Which startups received ₹50 lakh funding under the GREAT scheme, and how are IIT Indore and NIT Patna shaping textile education with a ₹6.5 crore grant? Read on to know more!

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Shreshtha Verma
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How India is Stitching the Future Modi Govt Bold Push for Startups

In a world where innovation dictates economic growth, technical textiles have emerged as a game-changer, blending science with fabric to create groundbreaking solutions. From medical applications to industrial reinforcements, these advanced textiles are revolutionizing industries worldwide. Recognizing the immense potential of this sector, the Indian government has taken a decisive step to fuel innovation and entrepreneurship in technical textiles.

In a significant move, the 10th Empowered Programme Committee (EPC) under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) has approved funding for four promising startups, each receiving approximately ₹50 lakh to develop cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, the government is injecting ₹6.5 crore into premier educational institutions to foster technical textile education, ensuring a skilled workforce that can drive this industry forward.

Here TICE brings you key details of this initiative. 

Why Technical Textiles Matter?

Unlike conventional textiles used in clothing and home furnishings, technical textiles serve specialized purposes, often with high-performance characteristics. They are used in aerospace, medical applications, defense, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Whether it’s a fire-resistant suit for firefighters, a high-tech wound dressing for medical emergencies, or geotextiles strengthening roads, technical textiles play a crucial role in modern innovation.

India’s growing focus on self-reliance in manufacturing, coupled with the global shift towards sustainability and high-tech solutions, makes this sector a strategic priority. By investing in startups and skill development, the Modi government is not just supporting entrepreneurs but also positioning India as a global leader in technical textiles.

Read More: India’s Mobile Manufacturing Revolution: A Decade of ‘Make in India’

The BIG Push: Boosting Startups in Technical Textiles

Under the ‘Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)’ scheme, the government has greenlit funding for four ambitious startups. These startups are working on innovations in three key areas:

  • Medical Textiles – Used in healthcare, these textiles include advanced wound care materials, surgical sutures, and smart bandages that enhance patient care and recovery.
  • Industrial Textiles – These materials are essential for manufacturing, providing superior durability, insulation, and strength in industries like construction, transport, and energy.
  • Protective Textiles – Designed for safety, these include fireproof suits, bulletproof vests, and chemical-resistant gear, crucial for defense, security forces, and hazardous workplaces.

This initiative not only provides financial support but also encourages indigenous research and development, reducing India's dependence on imports and boosting homegrown innovations.

Building Future Experts: ₹6.5 Crore Grant for Education

While financial support for startups is vital, creating a sustainable ecosystem requires skilled professionals who understand the complexities of technical textiles. Addressing this need, the government has sanctioned a grant of ₹6.5 crore to three prestigious educational institutes, including IIT Indore and NIT Patna, to introduce specialized courses in technical textiles.

These courses will cover:

  • Geotextiles & Geosynthetics – Used in construction, these materials enhance soil stability and improve infrastructure longevity.
  • Protective Textiles – Educating students on advanced materials for extreme conditions, such as military and space exploration.
  • Sports Textiles – Developing high-performance sports gear and wearable technology for enhanced athletic performance.

This academic push aims to bridge the industry-academia gap and ensure that India has a workforce ready to innovate and lead in the global technical textiles market.

Read More: India's Future of Work: Sustainable Success in the AI Age

Skilling India: New Courses for Workforce Development

Beyond startups and academia, the government is also focusing on training workers, industry professionals, and entrepreneurs to ensure India has a highly skilled workforce. The EPC has approved 12 new skill development courses in various domains, including Medical Textiles, Agriculture Textiles, Mobile Textiles, and Protective Textiles.

These courses, designed by leading research bodies such as SITRA, NITRA, and SASMIRA, will equip individuals with hands-on expertise in technical textiles manufacturing, quality control, and product development.

India’s Vision: Becoming a Global Leader in Technical Textiles

The National Technical Textiles Mission is more than just a policy initiative—it’s a vision to make India self-reliant in advanced textile manufacturing. With continued government support, India is poised to:

  • Reduce dependence on imported technical textile products.
  • Strengthen domestic research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
  • Train a workforce that can compete on the global stage.

Read More: Jharkhand Startup Policy: Is the State Ready to Become India’s Next Startup Hub?

By backing startups, funding education, and investing in skill development, the Modi government is stitching a new future for India—one where technical textiles drive industrial growth, create jobs, and put India at the forefront of global textile innovation.

With innovation at its core, this initiative is not just about textiles—it’s about transforming India into a high-tech manufacturing powerhouse.

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