As India’s technical textiles sector moves rapidly towards high-value innovation, the upcoming 5th International Conference on Functional Textiles & Clothing (FTC 2027) is set to place the spotlight on the technologies and materials shaping the future of the industry. Organised by IIT Delhi in association with the World University of Design, the conference will take place from February 5 to 7, 2027, in New Delhi.
With India’s technical textiles market projected to reach US$ 24.25 billion by 2026, the sector is witnessing strong momentum across smart textiles, advanced fibres, medical applications, sustainable processing and digital manufacturing. FTC 2027 aims to bring together researchers, academicians, designers, industry leaders and policymakers from around the world to discuss the latest innovations, challenges and opportunities in functional textiles and apparel.
The conference will feature a wide-ranging programme covering smart and intelligent textiles, including wearable technologies, e-textiles, AI-enabled garments, IoT-connected apparel and soft robotics. These areas are becoming increasingly relevant as textiles evolve beyond traditional applications into sectors such as healthcare, sports, defence, mobility and industrial performance.
Another major theme of FTC 2027 will be the growing role of functional textiles in healthcare, wellness and sports. Sessions will explore developments in medical textiles, therapeutic clothing, biometric monitoring systems, elderly care wearables and high-performance sportswear, reflecting the increasing convergence of textile engineering, electronics and human-centred design.
The conference will also address protective and defence textiles, climate-responsive clothing and industrial safety solutions, highlighting how advanced textile technologies are being used in demanding environments. From emergency response apparel to high-performance industrial wear, these applications are creating new opportunities for technical textile innovation.
Sustainability and circularity will remain at the centre of discussions, with dedicated sessions on recycling, circular textiles, bio-based fibres, waste valorisation, low-impact processing, lifecycle assessment and strategies to reduce carbon, water and chemical footprints across the textile value chain. As sustainability becomes a critical priority for both manufacturers and global brands, FTC 2027 is expected to serve as an important platform for sharing research and practical pathways towards greener textile production.
The event will further examine advanced fibres and materials, nanotechnology, functional finishes, membranes and surface engineering, alongside the role of AI, digital twins, blockchain, virtual prototyping, AR/VR, smart factories and automation in textile and apparel manufacturing. These technologies are reshaping product development, manufacturing efficiency, supply chain visibility and consumer engagement across the sector.
Additional technical sessions will focus on spinning, weaving, knitting, nonwovens, textile machinery, dyeing, printing, finishing, automotive textiles, geotextiles, agricultural textiles, industrial applications, supply chain management, traceability and textile quality management.
By bringing together global expertise across research, design and manufacturing, FTC 2027 is expected to become a key knowledge platform for the next phase of innovation in technical textiles and apparel, while also reinforcing India’s growing role in the global advanced textiles ecosystem.
