New Delhi, Tuesday, 21^st August 2018: First time in the history of Indian Textiles & Clothing, an innovation contest for T & C Industry has been launched in India. One of the apex bodies in Textiles & Clothing, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has taken the lead to create an innovation culture in Indian T&C, by launching “InnoTex 2018”. Shri Sanjay K Jain, Chairman, CITI stated that the contest will invite entries on innovative ideas/concept that has been devised for best design, method, process, product and cost reduction in any area from Ginning to Garment. He further stated that CITI Young Entrepreneurs Group (YEG) under the Chairmanship of Shri Prashant Mohota, has been entrusted with the task of organising InnoTex. YEG, which is an integral part of CITI has been formed for nurturing young minds/talent of the Textiles & Clothing Industry into dynamic leaders of tomorrow.

Further, Mr Jain was happy to announce that North India Textile Research Association (NITRA) as the Knowledge Partner of InnoTex 2018. He said having a premier research institute like NITRA as Knowledge Partner will help in proper evaluation of the applications and provide guidance to the applicants.

Shri Jain pointed out that the Innovation Contests are very important for any industry more particularly the textiles manufacturing sector not only to improve the standard of the industry but also to enhance the overall competitiveness of the industry at an international level. He said this will help create the innovation culture which is sadly missing in the industry. He further pointed out that CITI is organising InnoTex 2018 as part of its Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

Shri Jain further highlighted that CITI being one of the apex bodies of the textiles and clothing industry in India strongly feels that Innovation is the need of the hour for any industry to grow. InnoTex will give boost to the ideas of the Innovators by enabling them to showcase their talent to the industry leaders and get instant recognition. He further observed that contest will bridge the gap between the Innovators and end user industry and would further guide the researchers what is the actual demand of the industry in these areas.

Shri Mohota stated that the young leaders of the T&A Industry are thrilled over the buzz of InnoTex 2018! He further stated that the contest will invite applications from Individuals or a team of individuals not exceeding four. “However, companies/ institutions cannot not directly participate” but can sponsor individuals or the teams of innovators. He further pointed out that Innovation should not be older than 1^st April 2017.

Shri Mohota further stated that he is happy to confirm that D’décor has agreed to be a Principal Sponsor of the event and Lenzing AG and Murata Machinery Limited have confirmed as Event Supporting Sponsors. Shri Mohota also confirmed that InnoTex 2018 will give cash awards to the winners apart from giving them recognition in front of the entire textile and clothing fraternity. He said the whole process is driven by technology and all applications will be received online through the CITI website. For further details the official website of InnoTex 2018 can be viewed through the following link http://www.citiindia.com/innotex2018/

Shri Jain concluded by saying that a Jury of distinguished experts and leaders of the textile industry will be soon formed who will evaluate the work of the innovators and finally select the winners who will be given awards. He further stated that the final round of the contest will be held on 27^th-28^thNovember 2018 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi along with CITI Global Textiles Conclave 2018, which is also a part of CITI’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.