Invitation

Technical textiles offer new opportunities for the global textile industry to ensure long-term sustainability. Extensive research and development in the past two decades have identified various applications for technical textiles, such as vehicles, construction, agriculture, sports, healthcare, defence and security, electronics, power, and environmental technologies. This sector is recognized as a highly innovative and rapidly growing industry worldwide. The global market for technical textiles reached a valuation of $165 billion in 2018 and is projected to grow significantly, reaching $220 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2018 to 2025. The Asia-Pacific region leads the way in the technical textiles sector, accounting for a substantial 40% share of the global market. In India, the technical textiles market is currently valued at $19 billion, demonstrating a remarkable CAGR of 12% over the past five years. According to the Baseline Survey conducted by the Ministry of Textiles, the Indian technical textiles market is projected to experience a robust growth rate of 20%, reaching $28.7 billion by 2020-21, up from $16.6 billion in 2017-18. These figures indicate a promising future for the industry. India's technical textiles exports were valued at $1.9 billion in 2018-19, reflecting a CAGR of 4% over the past four years. However, the imports of technical textiles experienced a higher CAGR of 8% during the same period, rising from $1,635 million to $2,209 million in 2018-19. To reduce dependence on imports, India can invest further in technology-intensive products. The future trend is to push the boundaries of research, innovation, market development, and business across all sectors.

Taking into account the scope and opportunity in the sector, 8th International Conference on Technical Textiles & Nonwovens (ICTN 2026) aims at bringing leading entrepreneurs, researchers, academicians, experts, and students all over the world to share a common platform to present and share recent research investigations, technological advancements, and exchange ideas and global views on the future perspectives and development in the field. The conference will be organized by the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, scheduled for 6-8 February 2026, at IIT Delhi, New Delhi, India. Many supporting social events enriching the scientific and cultural program will be organized as well. IIT Delhi, established in 1961, is one of the premier technical engineering institutions in the country, with a vision to contribute to India and the world through excellence in scientific and technical education and research, to serve as a valuable resource for industry and society and to remain a source of pride for all Indians. The institute is located at center of the city, Delhi, a symbol of the country’s rich past and thriving present, where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together. The city not only touches your pulse but even fastens it to a frenetic speed. So come and join us in the ICTN 2026 to explore new research ideas and visions, and look out of the window and discover a whole new city of numerous stories and experiences, be it its heritage, the art and crafts, the diverse cuisine and culture.

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