5th International Conference on
Functional Textiles &
Clothing
IIT Delhi, New Delhi, India
Invitation
The International Conference on Functional Textiles and Clothing (FTC 2027) invites researchers, academicians,
designers, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the world to convene at IIT Delhi, New Delhi, for a
focused dialogue on the future of textiles and apparel.
Since 2018, FTC has grown into a globally recognized platform at the intersection of textile materials, technology, design, and human-centric innovation, bringing together participants from 400+ institutions across nearly 50 countries. What began as an emerging field has now entered the mainstream, transforming how clothing is designed, produced, and experienced.
Today, functional clothing is at the convergence of advanced materials, sustainability, digitalization, healthcare innovation, climate resilience, and the experience economy. Garments are evolving from passive coverings into active systems - monitoring health, enhancing performance, ensuring safety, and responding intelligently to users and environments. The scope of functional textiles has expanded dramatically. Advances in high-performance & functional fibers, conductive materials, bio-based fibres, nanotechnology, fabric & clothing manufacturing technologies, and responsive surfaces are now being integrated with AI, IoT, digital twins, and extended reality, enabling clothing that is adaptive, predictive, and deeply personalized.
At the same time, the field is witnessing a paradigm shift in garment design and production. Technologies such as 3D body scanning, generative design, mass customization, and digital prototyping are transforming how garments are conceived, tested, and delivered. Functional clothing today must not only perform but also address comfort, inclusivity, cultural context, and user experience, making design as critical as engineering.
FTC 2027 builds on this momentum, offering a platform to showcase cutting-edge research, foster collaborations, and engage with the next wave of innovation in functional textiles and clothing. The conference continues to receive support from key national initiatives such as the National Technical Textiles Mission (Ministry of Textiles, Government of India), reflecting its strategic importance in advancing this sector.
Jointly organised by IIT Delhi and the World University of Design (WUD), the conference brings together the strengths of engineering and design to shape the future of this rapidly evolving field.
We warmly invite you to be part of this journey - to present, participate, collaborate, and shape the future of functional textiles and clothing at FTC 2027, New Delhi
Since 2018, FTC has grown into a globally recognized platform at the intersection of textile materials, technology, design, and human-centric innovation, bringing together participants from 400+ institutions across nearly 50 countries. What began as an emerging field has now entered the mainstream, transforming how clothing is designed, produced, and experienced.
Today, functional clothing is at the convergence of advanced materials, sustainability, digitalization, healthcare innovation, climate resilience, and the experience economy. Garments are evolving from passive coverings into active systems - monitoring health, enhancing performance, ensuring safety, and responding intelligently to users and environments. The scope of functional textiles has expanded dramatically. Advances in high-performance & functional fibers, conductive materials, bio-based fibres, nanotechnology, fabric & clothing manufacturing technologies, and responsive surfaces are now being integrated with AI, IoT, digital twins, and extended reality, enabling clothing that is adaptive, predictive, and deeply personalized.
At the same time, the field is witnessing a paradigm shift in garment design and production. Technologies such as 3D body scanning, generative design, mass customization, and digital prototyping are transforming how garments are conceived, tested, and delivered. Functional clothing today must not only perform but also address comfort, inclusivity, cultural context, and user experience, making design as critical as engineering.
FTC 2027 builds on this momentum, offering a platform to showcase cutting-edge research, foster collaborations, and engage with the next wave of innovation in functional textiles and clothing. The conference continues to receive support from key national initiatives such as the National Technical Textiles Mission (Ministry of Textiles, Government of India), reflecting its strategic importance in advancing this sector.
Jointly organised by IIT Delhi and the World University of Design (WUD), the conference brings together the strengths of engineering and design to shape the future of this rapidly evolving field.
We warmly invite you to be part of this journey - to present, participate, collaborate, and shape the future of functional textiles and clothing at FTC 2027, New Delhi
Conference Highlights
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Student Design & Innovation Contests
As functional textiles and clothing rapidly move into mainstream application, FTC 2027 places a strong emphasis on student-led innovation, design thinking, and product development. Two flagship contests are organised to encourage young creators to translate ideas into tangible, impactful solutions. |
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The Functional Clothing Contest
The Functional Clothing Contest is FTC’s signature platform celebrating innovation in garment design and application. It showcases how clothing can move beyond aesthetics to deliver meaningful functionality in real-world contexts.... |
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Poster Contest
The Poster Contest invites students to present innovative concepts, materials, processes, or products in the domain of functional textiles and clothing. Submissions may span any of the FTC thematic areas, including smart textiles, sustainability, healthcare, protective clothing, digital fashion, and advanced materials. Entries will be evaluated by an expert jury based on:
Top three entries will be awarded cash prizes and certificates. |
Full Paper Template
(For those whose abstract has been accepted for full paper)
(For those whose abstract has been accepted for full paper)
Important Dates
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Selected papers from FTC 2027 conference will be published by Springer as a Proceedings book
volume.
Previous proceedings can be seen below
Book Publication by
Springer-2025
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Book Publication by
Springer-2023
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Book Publication by
Springer-2020
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Book Publication by
Springer-2018 
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FTC Global Excellence Awards 2027
The FTC Global Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the field of Functional Textiles and
Clothing, recognising individuals and organisations who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership,
and impact.
Since its inception in 2018, the International Conference on Functional Textiles and Clothing (FTC) has evolved into a global platform bringing together students, researchers, academicians, industry leaders, and policymakers to advance this rapidly growing domain. The introduction of the FTC Global Excellence Awards in 2024 further strengthens this vision by honouring those who are shaping the future of the field.
These awards acknowledge both lifetime contributions and emerging excellence, spanning academia, research, industry, and design.
Since its inception in 2018, the International Conference on Functional Textiles and Clothing (FTC) has evolved into a global platform bringing together students, researchers, academicians, industry leaders, and policymakers to advance this rapidly growing domain. The introduction of the FTC Global Excellence Awards in 2024 further strengthens this vision by honouring those who are shaping the future of the field.
These awards acknowledge both lifetime contributions and emerging excellence, spanning academia, research, industry, and design.
Call for Nominations:
We invite nominations for individuals and organisations who are pushing the boundaries of functional textiles and clothing—whether through lifelong contributions, research leadership, industrial innovation, or emerging creative practice. Self-nominations are also welcome.1. Lifetime Achievement
Eligibility: Individuals from academia, research organisations, and industry This award recognises individuals who have made a profound and enduring contribution to the field of functional textiles and clothing. Nominees should have demonstrated at least 25 years of sustained impact across research, innovation, and practice. Their work should have significantly shaped the direction of the industry, introduced transformative technologies, or influenced academic research and commercial applications at a fundamental level.2. Leadership in Research
Eligibility: Individuals from academia and research organisations This award celebrates exceptional leadership in advancing research in functional textiles and clothing. Nominees should be senior researchers with a minimum of 15 years of experience, demonstrating the ability to lead impactful research programmes, secure major funding, and produce groundbreaking contributions. This may include high-impact publications, innovative methodologies, or the development of new materials and technologies. A strong commitment to mentoring and developing future researchers is also essential.3. Industrial Impact
Eligibility: Individuals or organisations from industry This award recognises outstanding leadership in the commercialisation and real-world application of functional textiles. Nominees should have developed innovative products, materials, or technologies that have successfully entered the market and influenced industry practices, consumer experiences, or societal outcomes. Contributions may include advancements in manufacturing, sustainability, ethical practices, or strengthening industry–academia collaboration.4. Emerging Innovator
Eligibility: Individuals from industry and design This award honours emerging talent—innovators, designers, or entrepreneurs—who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and leadership in the field. Nominees should have developed novel products, technologies, or design approaches that represent meaningful breakthroughs in functionality, aesthetics, or sustainability. Their work may already have gained recognition, with strong potential for transformative future impact.Submit your nominations now! Self nominations are also welcome.
Nomination Deadline: 15th December, 2026
Submit your nominations and help recognise those who are defining the future of Functional Textiles and Clothing.
Nomination Link: Updating Soon...
FTC TRAILBLAZERS
As part of FTC 2027, we are delighted to present FTC Trailblazers - a special fireside chat series featuring distinguished alumni and industry leaders who are shaping the future of textiles and apparel.
This curated conversation brings together visionary entrepreneurs and professionals who have built or transformed organisations into leaders in their respective domains, spanning functional textiles, technical fabrics, performance apparel, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.
Through an engaging and informal dialogue, the session offers participants a rare opportunity to gain first-hand insights into entrepreneurial journeys, innovation pathways, industry challenges, and emerging opportunities in the rapidly evolving world of functional textiles and clothing.
From navigating global markets and scaling manufacturing to integrating sustainability and advanced technologies, the Trailblazers will share perspectives that bridge education, research, and real-world impact.
Designed especially for students, researchers, and early-career professionals, this session aims to inspire the next generation to think boldly, act entrepreneurially, and contribute meaningfully to the future of the textile and apparel ecosystem.
Speakers and schedule will be announced soon. Stay tuned.
This curated conversation brings together visionary entrepreneurs and professionals who have built or transformed organisations into leaders in their respective domains, spanning functional textiles, technical fabrics, performance apparel, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.
Through an engaging and informal dialogue, the session offers participants a rare opportunity to gain first-hand insights into entrepreneurial journeys, innovation pathways, industry challenges, and emerging opportunities in the rapidly evolving world of functional textiles and clothing.
From navigating global markets and scaling manufacturing to integrating sustainability and advanced technologies, the Trailblazers will share perspectives that bridge education, research, and real-world impact.
Designed especially for students, researchers, and early-career professionals, this session aims to inspire the next generation to think boldly, act entrepreneurially, and contribute meaningfully to the future of the textile and apparel ecosystem.
Speakers and schedule will be announced soon. Stay tuned.