The Mission Steering Group, chaired by the India's Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh has approved 19 research projects valued at approximately ₹21 crore (~$2.52 million) across different fields of Technical Textiles under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).

These projects span across strategic domains including composites, geo textiles, smart textiles, and machinery, and were endorsed during the 9th Mission Steering Group meeting.

The approved initiatives were put forth by eminent research institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), among others, Ministry of Textiles said in a media release.

In addition to the approval of these projects, the minister reviewed the ongoing progress in research and development, market promotion, export initiatives, and the education, training, and skill development efforts under the mission. The review included an evaluation of 27 applications from 16 public and 11 private institutions, previously approved for initiatives such as introducing technical textiles courses, enhancing laboratory infrastructure, and implementing trainer training programmes across various application areas.

The minister also assessed the ministry’s efforts in promoting internships and skill development as part of the mission’s objectives.

The meeting witnessed participation from high-ranking officials and experts, including representatives from NITI Aayog, the Principal Scientific Adviser, Chairman ISRO, and senior officials from various ministries and departments, such as Department of Science & Technology, Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Railway Board, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Defence, along with eminent members from industry associations.