The Government of India has intensified its efforts to strengthen MSMEs and startups in the textile sector, particularly in the rapidly growing field of technical textiles. A major thrust has come from the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), launched in 2020 with an outlay of ₹1,480 crore to position India as a global hub for technical textiles.
GREAT Scheme Boosts Technical Textile Startups
Under NTTM, the Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) scheme has emerged as a key driver of innovation and enterprise.
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The scheme provides financial assistance of up to ₹50 lakh per approved startup.
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24 startups have received approval so far, reflecting growing interest among innovators in high-performance and functional textile materials.
Additionally, the Ministry has organized 35 national and international conferences, events, and workshops to promote awareness, demand creation, and market development for technical textiles under the “Promotion & Market Development” component of NTTM.
Funding Push Under Startup India Initiative
Support for textile startups extends beyond NTTM. Under the Startup India framework, DPIIT is implementing three flagship schemes that benefit startups across sectors, including textiles and fabrics:
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Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)
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Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
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Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)
These initiatives aim to improve access to capital at early and growth stages, strengthening the startup ecosystem.
Marketing Support for Handloom & Handicraft MSMEs
To uplift traditional textile sectors, the government continues to support marketing and export promotion through:
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National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)
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National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP)
These programmes facilitate participation in domestic and international exhibitions, capacity building, design innovation, and brand development.
Comprehensive Support for Handloom Workers and Entrepreneurs
Under the National Handloom Development Programme and the Raw Material Supply Scheme, financial aid is being provided for:
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Raw material procurement
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Upgraded looms and accessories
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Solar lighting units
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Workshed construction
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Product diversification and design development
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Common infrastructure
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Market access
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Concessional loans under the Weavers’ MUDRA Scheme
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Social security benefits
To promote self-employment and entrepreneurship, 163 Handloom Producer Companies have been established across India, enabling collective production, marketing, and improved income generation for weavers.