The 39th edition of the Garment Technology Expo (GTE 2026), one of South Asia’s leading exhibitions for garment manufacturing technology, has officially commenced at the India Expo Centre & Mart. Spanning four days, the event brings together the complete apparel production ecosystem, reinforcing its position as a key driver of innovation, efficiency, and global competitiveness.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent industry leaders, including Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman of India Exposition Mart Limited, along with senior representatives from apparel export bodies, manufacturing companies, and industry associations.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kumar highlighted GTE’s importance as a platform for showcasing advanced technologies and enabling stakeholders to understand their impact on transforming the garment value chain. Industry leaders also emphasised the role of such exhibitions in accelerating technology adoption and strengthening the sector’s global standing.
This year’s expo features more than 200 exhibitors representing over 650 brands and is expected to attract upwards of 15,000 trade visitors. The exhibition covers a wide range of solutions, including advanced machinery, CAD/CAM systems, digital textile printing, finishing technologies, trims, accessories, and next-generation production tools.
The event has received support from the Ministry of Textiles and is now MSME-approved, allowing small and medium enterprises to benefit from government-backed initiatives, enhanced networking opportunities, and easier access to advanced technologies.
Industry experts noted that despite ongoing global challenges and tariff pressures, the current environment offers an opportunity for the sector to rethink strategies, embrace innovation, and strengthen export potential.
A major highlight of GTE 2026 is the strong focus on AI-driven automation technologies, which are emerging as a transformative force in garment manufacturing. These solutions, ranging from intelligent production systems to precision-based operations, are expected to significantly improve productivity, quality, and efficiency across factories.
Adding further value, the exhibition is being held alongside the Lace & Trims Show 2026, which showcases trims, labels, embellishments, fasteners, and related services. Together, the co-located events provide a comprehensive sourcing platform for the entire garment manufacturing value chain.
The expo also features trend forecasts from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), offering insights into the future direction of apparel production and design.
Running until March 23, 2026, GTE 2026 continues to serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and business opportunities within the garment manufacturing industry.