ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR STARTUPS
Issued by Ministry of Textiles
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Textiles on 11th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary The Ministry of Textiles, under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), has implemented the "GREAT" scheme to support startups and innovators in the technical textiles sector. For the 2026-27 financial year, Rs. 256 crore has been allocated to NTTM, with 31 startups already approved for grants totaling Rs. 15.40 crore. As of August 11, 2026, the program focuses on commercializing indigenous technologies through robust industry collaboration and rigorous committee monitoring.
Key Points / Main Content
Scheme Objectives and Funding
- The "Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles" (GREAT) supports young innovators, scientists, and startups in commercializing technical textile products.
- Total NTTM budget for FY 2026-27 is Rs. 256 crore, which includes provisions for GREAT scheme grants.
- Currently, 31 startups are approved with a total cost of Rs. 15.40 crore (Government of India share: Rs. 13.65 crore).
Governance and Oversight
- Evaluation and Monitoring Committee (EMC): Responsible for reviewing the technical and financial parameters of startup proposals.
- Empowered Programme Committee (EPC): Grants final approval for proposals based on EMC recommendations.
- Review and Monitoring Committee: Oversees the progress of approved startups and recommends the release of subsequent grant installments or project closure.
Regional and Academic Highlights
- In Telangana, 15 research projects and one educational institution application have been approved under NTTM guidelines.
- Nationwide outreach activities, including workshops and seminars, are being organized to disseminate information and facilitate industry engagement.
Research and Innovation Focus Areas
- Approved projects cover diverse applications, including high-performance textiles for defense, medical garments (e.g., self-sanitizing apparel, surgical models), and sustainable materials (e.g., algae-based textiles, hemp-based composites).
- Innovation targets also include smart wearables for health monitoring, space-deployable communication antennas, and radiation-shielding tiles.
Impact Analysis
Startups and Innovators
- Impact: They receive financial assistance and a structured pathway to translate research ideas into commercial technologies.
- Action Required: Must adhere to GREAT guidelines and meet project milestones to secure subsequent grant installments as recommended by the Review and Monitoring Committee.
Established Industry Partners
- Impact: The scheme fosters synergies between innovators and industry for prototype development, field trials, and market launches.
- Action Required: Engage with supported startups to scale potential projects and strengthen the technical textiles ecosystem.
Academic Institutions
- Impact: Eligible institutions can receive approval for technical textiles education programs under specific NTTM guidelines.
- Action Required: Align educational applications with the "General Guidelines for Enabling of Academic Institutes in Technical Textiles Education in India."
Ministry of Textiles / Government Bodies
- Impact: Facilitates sustainable industry growth, employment generation, and the promotion of indigenous, value-added products.
- Action Required: Continue organizing outreach activities and managing the multi-tier committee structure to ensure effective fund allocation and project oversight.