In a groundbreaking partnership that heralds a new era in India’s technical textiles and composites landscape, Ahmedabad University and the Ahmedabad Textile Industry’s Research Association (ATIRA) have joined forces. Their collaborative efforts are set to propel education, research, and development in this dynamic sector and provide invaluable services.
The fusion of these two prominent institutions is a testament to their commitment to foster growth in the ever-expanding technical textiles and composites domain. Building on an established collaboration, the formation of a Composites Centre of Excellence in 2011, the crowning jewel of this partnership is the launch of an unprecedented two-year Master of Technology (MTech) program in composites, hosted at the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Ahmedabad University.
This innovative MTech program is poised to provide students with an exceptional foundation in advanced mechanics, design, manufacturing, and testing related to composite components and structures. The curriculum will also feature a year-long industry-focused thesis, allowing students to delve into real-world topics of significance. By integrating industry perspectives and best practices, Ahmedabad University aims to produce graduates who are ready to make an impact in the field.
Sunil Kale, the Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, sees this collaboration as a beacon of hope for the region’s highly skilled youth. “This collaboration will not only enhance the academic offerings at Ahmedabad University but also provide unwavering support for research, development, and outreach. Moreover, Ahmedabad University’s incubator, VentureStudio, will serve as a launchpad for startups focusing on composites. The collaborative effort addresses the pressing need to bolster the quality of the workforce and infrastructure in the technical textiles and composites sector,” said Kale.
The world of technical textiles spans a multitude of applications, including aerospace, defense, transportation, and industrial uses. It encompasses 12 diverse segments, from wearable electronics and filters to extreme weather clothing and geotextiles, each catering to specific functions.
The global technical textiles market is currently experiencing a rapid growth phase, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2 percent, expected to reach $274 billion by 2027. Notably, the Indian technical textiles market stands as the fifth largest in the world and has exhibited robust growth, averaging 8 to 10 percent per annum over the past five years, reaching $21.95 billion in 2021-22.
The government is actively promoting the expansion of the technical textiles industry in India. A strong emphasis is placed on market research, industry expertise, and high-quality engineering schools that can meet industry demands. Preparing a skilled workforce to meet these requirements is paramount, alongside encouraging innovation through startup schemes. Shifting from traditional build-to-print processes to design-to-print is essential, and institutions like ATIRA, with their commitment to innovation and industry support, will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academia and industry.
ATIRA and Ahmedabad University have also launched collaborative research and development projects and have ambitious plans to establish state-of-the-art facilities for designing, analyzing, manufacturing, and testing composite components and structures. These facilities will not only support the PhD program in composites and technical textiles but will also offer internships. Moreover, they will provide technical support to industries, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), facilitate new product development, and incubate startups and innovators. These facilities will form the foundation for skill development programs and will help spread awareness about technical textiles and composites throughout India.
In conclusion, the partnership between Ahmedabad University and ATIRA is poised to be a game-changer for India’s technical textiles and composites industries. With a visionary approach and a commitment to education, research, and industry collaboration, this alliance is set to shape the future of this thriving sector, providing a platform for innovation, growth, and the development of a highly skilled workforce.