Messe Frankfurt India has set the course for a long-term industry platform in the southern Indian city of Coimbatore with the Ministry of Textiles of the Government of Tamil Nadu: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in November 2025 and from November 2026, the new Techtextil India Summit will serve as a central hub for the technical textiles sector every two years.
A total of five editions of the summit are to be held in Tamil Nadu over the next few decades in order to establish the state as a leading center for technical textiles, nonwovens and composites in the global value chain. The initiative leverages the region’s existing strength in spinning and knitting – Coimbatore is also called the “Manchester of South India” due to the large number of textile companies located there.
Messe Frankfurt India is expanding into the textile hub of Tamil Nadu
“We are confident that with the right know-how and global contacts, this dynamic state can expand on its established strengths in spinning and knitwear production and focus on high-quality technical textiles, thereby creating a solid base for future investments. The launch of our globally recognized Techtextil brand in Coimbatore will position Tamil Nadu as a focal point for global industry dialogue,” commented Winston Pereira, Executive Director, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd., in a press release.
The focus of the partnership is on establishing a knowledge center that bundles expert knowledge and technological innovations. By integrating the globally recognized “Techtextil” branding, the local industry gains direct access to a global network of over 500,000 industry participants. The collaboration aims to significantly increase the innovative power of Indian companies and MSMEs (micro, small and medium-sized enterprises) through the targeted exchange of best practices and the involvement of leading research institutions (such as SITRA, PSG Tech and Anna University).
The project is designed as a multi-stage growth strategy that is intended to advance from a Confex model to a comprehensive international trade fair. Through close integration with government institutions such as TIDCO and SIDCO, the Summit creates a robust pipeline for future investments in the field of technical textiles and composites. This not only strengthens the industrial infrastructure, but also creates a platform that combines political support with market-oriented expertise to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the Indian textile industry.
The first edition of Techtextil India Summit will be held on November 26-27, 2026 at CODISSIA (Coimbatore District Small Scale Industries Association), Coimbatore.