In a groundbreaking initiative supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, the ADDTEX project is poised to reshape the future of textile education and innovation. Bearing the title “Advancing industrial digital and green innovations in the advanced textile industry through innovation in learning and training,” this ambitious endeavor (Project No. 101056303) aims to bridge the gap between academia, research, industry, and vocational training within the dynamic realm of technical textiles.
Convening in the picturesque city of Limerick, Ireland, on July 11-12, 2023, the ADDTEX project partners assembled for their third pivotal meeting. This gathering, hosted by the Irish Digital Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Cluster (IDEAM) and the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), was held at the prestigious National Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC) headquarters.
The AMC stands as a beacon of cutting-edge innovation, housing a state-of-the-art digital factory that showcases the latest manufacturing technologies in a fully integrated production environment. Furthermore, the establishment of the “Confirm” research center for intelligent manufacturing within the AMC promises to propel the textile industry into a new era of advancement and knowledge dissemination.
At the heart of the ADDTEX project lies a passion for practical education that resonates with industry needs. Stefan Schmidt, representing the Industrieverband Veredlung – Garne – Gewebe – Technische Textilien (IVGT) e.V., Frankfurt, Germany, articulated, “It is important to us at the IVGT that the courses are created with a practical orientation and that the selected topics are based on the needs of the industry.”
The project’s cornerstone lies in the development of interactive online courses known as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses). These courses are designed to explore themes of innovative, sustainable materials, digitalization, and sustainability within the textile sector, with a specific focus on technical textiles. Collaborative efforts of partners from Spain, Ireland, and Italy have culminated in the creation of teaching materials that are set to redefine textile education.
During the two-day meeting, partners showcased their advancements in MOOC development, sharing insights and status updates. The Industrieverband Veredlung – Garne – Gewebe – Technische Textilien (IVGT) e.V., Frankfurt, Germany, along with other key partners, offered invaluable feedback to refine and enhance the course content. As preparations continue, project partners are committed to delivering an immersive e-learning platform by the close of 2023.
The ADDTEX project represents a monumental stride toward equipping the textile industry with cutting-edge education and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. As the textile landscape evolves, the initiative’s impact is poised to be felt far and wide, driving innovation, sustainability, and knowledge-sharing to unprecedented heights. The countdown has begun for the revolution in textile education, and the ADDTEX project is at its epicenter.