The Ministry of Textiles has intensified efforts to strengthen India’s textile research and innovation ecosystem with the second meeting of the Coordination Committee of Textile Research Associations (TRAs) in New Delhi.
The meeting focused on improving collaboration among research institutions, strengthening accountability and ensuring that textile research delivers practical, industry-oriented outcomes. Key areas of discussion included research commercialisation, technical textiles, new-age fibres, technology development, startups, digital coordination and stronger industry participation.
The meeting was chaired by Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, and brought together senior officials from the Ministry, representatives of Textile Research Associations and delegates from institutions including the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Department of Science and Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
Moving Textile Research from Laboratories to Industry
A major focus of the meeting was the need to make textile research more closely aligned with the requirements of industry.
The Ministry emphasised that research outcomes should extend beyond academic publications and contribute to technologies, patents, prototypes and commercially viable industrial solutions.
Greater involvement of industry stakeholders from the early stages of research projects was also highlighted. Such participation is expected to help researchers better understand market requirements and improve the chances of technology adoption, particularly by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The approach is also intended to support domestic technology development and import substitution in strategic areas of the textile sector.
Strengthening Digital Coordination Through i-TRAMS
The committee reviewed progress on initiatives undertaken following its first meeting, including improvements in equipment inventories and digital information through the i-TRAMS portal.
The platform is being positioned as an important tool for mapping research capabilities, sharing information, monitoring activities and connecting industry requirements with specialised expertise available across Textile Research Associations.
A common digital ecosystem could help reduce duplication of research infrastructure and improve access to equipment, expertise and research capabilities across institutions.
Focus on Technical Textiles and New-Age Fibres
The discussions also covered research into new-age fibres and emerging technical textile applications, reflecting the growing importance of high-performance and application-specific materials.
Technical textiles are increasingly being used across sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, construction and industrial manufacturing. Strengthening domestic research capabilities in these areas could help India develop technologies and materials suited to both domestic requirements and international markets.
The committee also discussed the identification and global benchmarking of Centres of Excellence, along with mechanisms to improve their effectiveness and contribution to industry.
Technology Readiness and Research Commercialisation
Another important area of discussion was the adoption of a structured Technology Readiness Assessment Framework.
Such a framework can help evaluate how close a research outcome is to practical deployment, enabling institutions and industry to identify technologies with greater commercial potential.
The Ministry also discussed measures to strengthen startup and innovation ecosystems around textile research. Greater collaboration between research institutions, entrepreneurs and industry could help move promising technologies from laboratory development towards pilot production and commercial applications.
Building a Stronger Textile Innovation Ecosystem
The meeting explored several measures aimed at creating a more integrated research ecosystem.
These included:
- Development of a common e-library platform
- Attracting greater external funding for research
- Implementation of projects under the National Technical Textiles Mission
- Strengthening institutional governance
- Expanding membership and industry participation
- Enhancing skill development
- Improving research performance evaluation
- Identifying and strengthening Centres of Excellence
The Ministry also stressed the importance of creating stronger connections between universities, research associations, startups, scientific institutions and textile manufacturers.
Data-Driven Monitoring and Accountability
Strengthening monitoring mechanisms was another key priority.
The Ministry emphasised the need for reliable data, periodic reviews and a robust Key Performance Indicator (KPI)-based framework to evaluate the performance of Textile Research Associations.
Such monitoring mechanisms are expected to improve accountability, resource utilisation and the timely completion of research projects while ensuring that public investments in textile R&D generate measurable outcomes.
Roadmap for 2026-27
The committee also discussed the proposed 2026-27 five-year strategy and annual work plans for Textile Research Associations.
The framework is expected to provide direction for research and development, testing and standardisation, technology development, capacity building and institutional collaboration.
The continued development of i-TRAMS is expected to support this framework by enabling better monitoring of research activities, mapping institutional capabilities and facilitating connections between industry requirements and available research expertise.
Strengthening India’s Global Textile Competitiveness
India’s textile industry is undergoing a transition towards higher value addition, advanced materials and technology-intensive manufacturing. In this environment, a stronger link between research and industry will be critical to developing globally competitive products and technologies.
The Ministry’s renewed focus on commercialisation, technical textiles, digital coordination, technology readiness and industry participation signals an effort to make textile R&D more outcome-oriented.
By bringing together research organisations, universities, scientific institutions, startups and industry, the initiative aims to build a more coordinated innovation ecosystem capable of supporting the technological advancement, sustainability and global competitiveness of India’s textile sector.