The Rise of Technical & Smart Textiles in India

India has always had a deep connection with textiles—from handwoven sarees to colorful prints known around the world. But in recent years, something exciting has been happening. The country’s textile industry is moving beyond traditional cloth and stepping into the future with technical and smart textiles.

These new-age fabrics do much more than just look good—they protect, perform, and even think. From clothing that monitors your heartbeat to fabric that resists fire or repels water, the future of fashion and fabric is unfolding fast.

What Are Technical and Smart Textiles?

  • What Are Technical and Smart Textiles?

    Not all textiles are about fashion—some are built for performance.

    Technical Textiles are fabrics made mainly for their function, not their look. They’re designed to be strong, fireproof, waterproof, insulating, or even able to filter air or liquids. You’ll find them in everything from road construction materials (like geotextiles) to medical products used in hospitals.

    Smart Textiles take things a step further. These are fabrics that can actually sense and respond to their surroundings. They might include built-in sensors, conductive threads, or tiny electronics. This allows them to do things like monitor your heart rate, adjust to temperature changes, or protect you from UV rays.

    Both types are at the cutting edge of textile innovation—and they’re set to play a big role in India’s future beyond traditional clothing.

India’s Technical Textile Market: Growth & Potential

India’s Technical Textile Industry Is on the Rise

  • India’s technical textile sector is growing fast, thanks to strong local demand, government support, and changes in how global companies source their materials.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Market Size: As of 2024, the technical textile market in India is worth around USD 22 to 29 billion—and it’s expected to grow to USD 40 to 50 billion by 2030.
  • Fast Growth: This sector is growing at 8–12% per year, which is much faster than the regular textile industry.
  • Big Export Potential: India’s exports of technical textiles have been growing strongly, especially to Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
  • Government Boost: The Indian government is supporting this growth with programs like the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, and Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to improve standards and attract investment.

Applications of Technical & Smart Textiles in India

  • Sector

  • Examples of Use

  • Healthcare (Meditech)

  • Surgical gowns, wound dressings, implants, PPE kits and
    Smart bandages that detect infection

  • Agriculture (Agrotech)

  • UV-resistant shade nets, crop covers and
    Anti-frost crop covers

  • Construction (Buildtech & Geotech)

  • Geotextiles for road reinforcement and drainage and 
    Fabrics to strengthen concrete

  • Sports & Fitness

  • Compression garments, breathable activewear and
    Smart textiles with sweat and motion sensors

  • Defence & Protection (Protech)

  • Bulletproof vests, fire-retardant uniforms and
    Uniforms with embedded communication or location devices

  • Mobility (Mobiltech)

  • Automotive seat covers, airbags, insulation and
    E-textiles for in-car sensors and controls

    • Driving Factors Behind the Growth

    Government Initiatives

    • NTTM (National Technical Textiles Mission): ₹1,480 crore budget to boost domestic manufacturing and R&D.

    • PLI Scheme: Production-Linked Incentives for high-value technical textiles.

    • QCOs: Quality Control Orders mandating performance standards in specific categories.

    • Dedicated Centres of Excellence: Set up in IITs and NITs to support technical research.

    Industrial Diversification

    India’s economy is diversifying, and technical textiles are essential for modern industries—construction, defence, automotive, and healthcare all require specialty fabrics.

    Export Potential

    As global brands seek sustainable, high-performance materials, India has an opportunity to position itself as a global supplier — particularly as China loses its edge in certain segments.

    Role of Technology & Software

    The shift toward smart and technical textiles isn’t just about materials—it’s also about technology, data, and automation. Today’s textile businesses are embracing software to digitize and scale up operations.

    Example: TexFO

    A modern example is TexFO, a production management software tailored for textile mills. It helps with yarn tracking, beam planning, daily production recording, and costing. While it doesn’t directly create smart textiles, it enables lean, efficient operations, which are essential for producing high-value fabrics where quality and waste control are critical.

    Other Tools in Use:

    • CAD & CAM Software: For technical textile design (e.g., weaving, knitting patterns)

    • Simulation Tools: 3D visualization for drape, texture, and stretch performance

    • Sensor Integration Platforms: Used in prototyping e-textile wearables

    • ERP Systems: Track raw materials, process flow, inventory, and compliance

    • AI & IoT: Used in smart garment monitoring and predictive maintenance for machines

    Some FAQs you might searching for...

    What is TexFo and how does it help textile manufacturers?

    TexFo is a specialized production management software designed for textile mills. It helps manufacturers track yarn inventory, manage beam planning, record daily production, and control costing, thereby improving efficiency and reducing wastage.

    Which types of textile mills can benefit from TexFo?

    TexFo is suitable for a range of mills, including spinning, weaving, and processing units. It caters especially well to yarn production management and fabric manufacturing operations.

    Does TexFo integrate with other enterprise systems?

    Yes, It can be integrated with ERP and accounting software, helping textile businesses achieve seamless data flow between production and financial departments.

    Does TexFo provide real-time production monitoring?

    TexFo offers detailed daily production recording and status updates, which can be used to monitor progress and identify bottlenecks, though real-time machine monitoring may require additional hardware or integration.