KCT hosts Industry Conclave on Tech-Integrated Textiles & Fashion
The event marked the beginning of celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the Textile Technology Department, established in 1995.
The Department of Textile Technology and Fashion Technology at Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT) organised a two-day Industry Conclave on Technology-Integrated Textiles and Fashion on 3 and 4 March, 2024, at the Kumaraguru campus. The event marked the beginning of celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the Textile Technology Department, established in 1995.
The conclave aimed to bring together thought leaders, academicians, industry pioneers, and policymakers to explore how academia can foster innovation, integrate cutting-edge technologies, and nurture future-ready professionals. The event featured five technical sessions, two panel discussions, and five keynote addresses, with over 30 industry experts sharing their insights.
Four Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) were signed during the conclave with the Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA), The Textile Association of India (TAI), Tamil Nadu Coir Business Development Corporation (TANCOIR), and Institute for Ecology, Technology and Innovation (OETI). These collaborations aim to enhance competency building, industry-driven curriculum development, and research initiatives.
The event also witnessed the launch of the Kumaraguru Centre for Research in Technical Textiles (KC.RTT), a significant step toward advancing innovation in the field. Over 100 participants from the industry, students, and faculty from various colleges attended the conclave, alongside KCT faculty and students.
Dr M Ezhilarasi, Principal, Kumaraguru College of Technology, highlighted the evolution of the textile technology department, its contributions to nation-building, and commitment to innovation and sustainability. She emphasised textiles’ role in India’s economic and cultural identity, noting India’s position as the 6th largest textile exporter, contributing 2.3 per cent to global trade and employing over 45 million people.
With government initiatives strengthening India’s position as a textile innovation hub, Dr Ezhilarasi stressed the global demand for sustainable solutions. She highlighted trends like recycled fibers, biofabrication, and eco-friendly dyeing technologies, alongside the growing potential of India’s khadi and handloom exports.
Prof A Pavendhan, Associate Dean of the Textile Cluster, outlined the department’s visionary plans, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and industry collaboration.
Reflecting on the department’s journey, Prof Pavendhan highlighted the evolution of textile education over the past three decades. “From focusing on traditional textile engineering to embracing modern business aspirations and entrepreneurial ideas, the department has continuously adapted to meet the demands of the industry and the environment,” he said.
Shankar Vanavarayar, President, Kumaraguru Institutions emphasized the critical role of the textile industry in India’s economic and social development. He highlighted the need for educational institutions like KCT to adapt to the rapidly changing demands of the sector, particularly in an era marked by fast fashion, sustainability challenges, and the rise of technical textiles. “Textiles are no longer just about clothing; they are integral to industries like aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. The future of textiles lies in innovation, technology, and sustainability,” he said.
Vanavarayar stressed the importance of reinventing the Textile Technology Department to remain relevant in a dynamic global landscape. He called for stronger collaboration between industry and academia, urging industry leaders to support KCT’s efforts to bridge the gap between education and real-world applications.
He shared his vision for the department’s future, which includes celebrating alumni achievements, fostering entrepreneurship, and launching initiatives that align with industry needs. “This year, we will honour our alumni who have become leaders and job creators in the textile ecosystem. We will also relaunch our programs to ensure they are relevant and impactful,” he added.
Dr Sundararaman K.S., Chairman-SIMA & Managing Director, Shiva Texyarn highlighted the Transformative Potential of Technical Textiles at the Industry Conclave. He emphasized the transformative potential of technical textiles and the need for innovation, problem-solving, and value creation in the textile industry.
Technical textiles: A paradigm shift from conventional textiles
“Conventional textiles are process-oriented, with little emphasis on product innovation. Technical textiles, on the other hand, are about creating solutions and adding value,” he said. He pointed out that while India’s conventional textile industry has thrived on currency depreciation rather than value addition, technical textiles offer a pathway to sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
He cited examples of technical textiles revolutionizing industries, from breathable waterproof fabrics in raincoats to high-strength fibres used in aerospace and defence. “Technical textiles are everywhere—from the seat belts in your car to the battery separators in electric vehicles. They are a boon for mankind, solving critical problems and improving lives,” he remarked.
The evolution of technical textiles: From raincoats to aerospace:
Dr Sundararaman traced the evolution of technical textiles through the example of raincoats. From the rubber-coated Mackintosh to Gore-Tex membranes, the journey of raincoats exemplifies how technical textiles have evolved to meet changing needs. He emphasized that innovation in technical textiles is driven by the need to solve real-world problems, such as creating breathable yet waterproof fabrics for adventure sports or developing high-strength fibres for aircraft arrestor tapes.
He also highlighted the immense value creation potential of technical textiles, citing examples like aerostat fabrics used in defence applications, which cost ₹50,000 per square meter, and absorbent layers for chemical warfare protection, priced at ₹2,500 per meter. “This is where the future of textiles lies—in creating high-value products that address global challenges,” he added.
He urged students to embrace technical textiles as a rewarding career path, emphasizing the importance of intelligence, determination, and teamwork in this field. He also highlighted the growing support from both state and central governments for technical textiles, as well as the availability of internship programs and academic resources. “This is the perfect time to enter the technical textiles industry. The ecosystem is supportive, and the opportunities are immense,” he said.
Addressing the conclave’s theme of integrating technology and fashion, Dr. Sundararaman underscored the lucrative potential of combining technical textiles with fashion. “Fashion is where the money is. Brands like Uniqlo and Louis Vuitton have shown how technical textiles can create high-value products that consumers are willing to pay a premium for,” he said. He cited the example of Uniqlo’s HeatTech fabric, which retails at Rs 1,000 for a 30-gram garment, demonstrating the value of innovation in textiles.
Dr Sundararaman concluded his address by urging students and industry stakeholders to embrace the challenges and opportunities in technical textiles. “Technical textiles are not just an industry; it’s a mindset of solving problems and creating value. With the right approach, we can transform the textile sector and contribute to India’s growth as a global leader in innovation,” he said.
Avinash Mishra, Chairman ITTA & CEO Advanced Material Solutions Koshala Profile, underscored the rapid growth of the technical textiles sector in India, which is currently valued at approximately 23 billion, with 20 billion coming from domestic consumption alone.
“The sun has already risen on technical textiles. This is no longer a sunrise sector; it is a thriving industry with immense potential,” he said. He emphasized that while conventional textiles have seen limited growth, technical textiles are growing at an impressive rate of 8-12 per cent annually, making it one of the most dynamic sectors in the country.
The role of government and industry in building the ecosystem
Mishra highlighted the significant efforts made by the Government of India to promote technical textiles, particularly through initiatives like the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). “Since 2014, the government has taken extraordinary steps to support this sector, from policy formulation to research and development. The NTTM has been instrumental in driving innovation and skill development,” he said.
He spoke about the pivotal role of the Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA), which serves as the voice of the industry and a knowledge repository. “ITTA has been actively engaging with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academia to create a cohesive ecosystem for technical textiles. Our goal is to bridge the gap between industry needs and academic research,” he added.
He stressed the importance of nurturing young talent to sustain the growth of technical textiles. He announced ITTA’s plans to create student forums and encourage active participation from students in technical textile initiatives. “We are working on creating platforms where students can engage with the industry, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to innovation,” he said.
He also highlighted the NTTM’s internship policy, which supports third-year students in undertaking summer internships in the technical textiles sector. “This is a great opportunity for students to gain industry exposure and understand the practical applications of technical textiles. I urge all students to explore these opportunities and take advantage of the support available,” he said.
Mishra emphasized that technical textiles extend far beyond traditional applications, with 13 distinct verticals catering to industries such as aerospace, healthcare, geotechnology, and automotive. “Your customer in technical textiles is not someone wearing a shirt or a tie. It could be an aeronautics engineer, a medical professional, or a geotechnologist. The possibilities are endless,” he said.
He encouraged students to think beyond conventional textiles and embrace the interdisciplinary nature of technical textiles. “The boundaries between engineering disciplines are blurring. As textile engineers, you can provide innovative solutions to diverse industries and drive transformative change,” he said.
Dr K Selvaraju Secretary General of the Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA) calls for revitalizing textile education and industry collaboration at KCT conclave. He emphasized the urgent need to revitalize textile education and strengthen industry-academia collaboration during his address at the Industry Conclave on Technology-Integrated Textiles and Fashion, organized by Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT).
Dr Selvaraju highlighted the challenges facing the textile profession, including outdated curricula, lack of hands-on training, and low industry salaries, which deter students from pursuing careers in textiles. He stressed the importance of upgrading educational infrastructure, revising syllabi, and fostering industry partnerships to bridge the gap between academia and real-world applications.
He also called for the creation of a National Textile Profession Competency Fund to support skill development and innovation in the sector. Dr Selvaraju praised KCT’s management for its visionary leadership and urged students to focus on mastering the basics while embracing new technologies.
Earlier in the day, Prof A Pavedhan, Associate Dean, Textile Cluster, KCT presented the textile year plan and highlighted key achievements. Over three decades, the department has evolved from focusing on traditional textile engineering to embracing modern business aspirations and entrepreneurial ideas.
Significant infrastructure upgrades include a ₹2.5 crore grant under the National Technical Textile Mission for a technical laboratory, a long-staple spinning pilot plant for exploring fibers like jute and hemp, and a sustainability lab for fiber-to-fabric production. These initiatives align with global sustainability goals, addressing the textile industry’s environmental impact.
Launch of Kumaraguru Centre for Research in Technical Textiles (KC.RTT)
The two-day textile conclave also marked the announcement on the establishment of Kumaraguru Centre for Research in Technical Textiles (KC.RTT) within the campus. This state-of-the-art research centre is set to become a hub for innovation, sustainability, and industry collaboration in the field of technical textiles.
A vision for innovation and sustainability
KC.RTT is aimed at addressing the growing demands of the textile industry by focusing on advanced research, incubation, and skill development. With a special emphasis on protective textiles, automotive textiles, sports textiles, and home textiles, the center aims to drive innovation while promoting sustainable practices. The establishment of KC.RTT aligns with Kumaraguru’s mission to integrate cutting-edge research with academic excellence and industry relevance.
The center will be equipped with world-class infrastructure, including a Technical Textiles Laboratory funded by a Rs 20.5 million grant from the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). This laboratory will focus on protective and automotive textiles, providing a platform for testing, prototyping, and innovation. Additionally, KC.RTT will house a Sustainability Laboratory, featuring end-to-end solutions from fibre to fabric, including shredding, fibre extraction, spinning, knitting/weaving, and garmenting. A Pilot Manufacturing Plant for long-staple spinning will also be added to process non-cotton, natural fibres like jute and hemp.
The centre will actively collaborate with industries, MSMEs, and government bodies to develop industry-driven curriculum, provide hands-on training, and address emerging trends such as AI in textiles, mill management, and sustainability.
Driving the Future of Textiles.KC.RTT is envisioned as a global hub for technical textiles research and innovation. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, the center aims to develop sustainable solutions, empower the next generation of textile professionals, and strengthen India’s position as a leader in the global textile industry.
