Executive Summary
The Industry Conclave on Technology-Integrated Textiles and Fashion, hosted by Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT) on March 3rd and 4th, 2024, served as a platform for industry leaders, academicians, and policymakers to converge and explore the future of textiles. The event, which marked the commencement of the 30th-anniversary celebrations of KCT’s Textile Technology Department, focused on fostering innovation, integrating advanced technologies, and cultivating future-ready professionals within the textile sector. The conclave featured five technical sessions, two panel discussions, five keynote addresses, and the signing of four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), along with the launch of the Kumaraguru Centre for Research in Technical Textiles (KC.RTT). Over 100 participants, including industry experts, students, and faculty, attended the event.
Event Objectives
- Bring together thought leaders, academicians, industry pioneers, and policymakers in the textile and fashion industries.
- Explore how academia can foster innovation in the textile sector.
- Integrate cutting-edge technologies into textile manufacturing and design.
- Nurture future-ready professionals equipped to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the industry.
- Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Textile Technology Department at KCT.
- Welcome Address: Dr. M. Ezhilarasi, Principal of KCT, emphasized the evolution of the textile technology department and its crucial role in India’s economic and cultural landscape. She highlighted India’s position as the 6th largest textile exporter and the growing demand for sustainable textile solutions.
- Presidential Address: Shri Shankar Vanavarayar, President of Kumaraguru Institutions, stressed the need for educational institutions to adapt to the changing demands of the textile sector, focusing on innovation, technology, and sustainability.
- Special Addresses:
- Dr. Sundararaman K.S., Chairman-SIMA & Managing Director, Shiva Texyarn Limited, highlighted the transformative potential of technical textiles, emphasizing innovation, problem-solving, and value creation.
- Shri Avinash Mishra, Chairman ITTA & CEO Advanced Material Solutions Koshala Profile Private Limited, underscored the rapid growth of the technical textiles sector in India and the role of government and industry in building a supportive ecosystem.
- Dr. K. Selvaraju, Secretary General of the Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), called for revitalizing textile education and strengthening industry-academia collaboration.
- MoU Signings: Four MoUs were signed with ITTA, TAI, TANCOIR, and OETI to enhance competency building, industry-driven curriculum development, and research initiatives.
- Launch of KC.RTT: The Kumaraguru Centre for Research in Technical Textiles (KC.RTT) was launched, aimed at fostering innovation, sustainability, and industry collaboration in technical textiles.
Technical Sessions and Panel Discussions
The conclave featured five technical sessions and two panel discussions, covering a range of topics, including:
- Advances in textile technology
- Sustainable textile practices
- The role of technical textiles in various industries
- Integrating fashion and technology
Over 30 industry experts shared their insights and experiences, providing valuable knowledge to the participants.
Kumaraguru Centre for Research in Technical Textiles (KC.RTT)
The launch of KC.RTT marked a significant step toward advancing innovation in the textile field. The center will focus on protective textiles, automotive textiles, sports textiles, and home textiles, promoting sustainable practices through advanced research, incubation, and skill development. KC.RTT will house a Technical Textiles Laboratory funded by the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and a Sustainability Laboratory for fiber-to-fabric solutions.
Outcomes and Impact
- Enhanced collaboration between academia and industry through the signing of MoUs.
- Increased awareness of the potential of technical textiles and sustainable practices.
- Establishment of a dedicated research center (KC.RTT) to drive innovation in the textile sector.
- Inspiration and motivation for students to pursue careers in textiles and contribute to the industry’s growth.
Recommendations
- Continue to strengthen industry-academia partnerships to ensure curriculum relevance and practical training.
- Promote research and development in technical textiles and sustainable textile practices.
- Encourage student participation in technical textile initiatives and internship programs.
- Revitalize textile education by upgrading infrastructure, revising syllabi, and creating competency funds.
Conclusion
The Industry Conclave on Technology-Integrated Textiles and Fashion at Kumaraguru College of Technology was a resounding success. It brought together key stakeholders, fostered collaboration, and highlighted the importance of innovation and sustainability in the textile industry. The launch of KC.RTT further solidifies KCT’s commitment to advancing textile research and education, driving the industry toward a future of innovation and sustainability.
