TBT DESK: Textile Innovation Exchange (TIE) and The Institution of Textile Engineers and Technologists (ITET), Bangladesh, have signed an In-Collaboration Agreement to establish the TIE–ITET Innovation & Research Cell, aiming to strengthen innovation, applied research and competitiveness in Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at Dhaka Regency Hotel on August 20 by TIE Chairman Engr Ehsanul Karim Kaiser and ITET President Engr Md Enayet Hossain. The collaboration will create a structured platform connecting textile professionals, industry leaders, researchers, and innovators while supporting the implementation of practical innovations across the sector.

Under the agreement, ITET will serve as an “In-Collaboration” partner of TIE and support the Textile Innovation Expo 2026, scheduled to be held from November 12 to 14 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka. ITET will help mobilise engineers, factories, policymakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and other stakeholders, while TIE will continue to own and lead the Expo.

The Expo is expected to showcase innovations, applied technologies, automation systems and sustainability-driven solutions through four dedicated zones covering dyeing and printing, textile materials, garment automation and green technologies.

Speaking at the event, TIE Chairman Engr Ehsanul Karim Kaiser said innovation must be viewed as a continuous process rather than a one-time initiative. He expressed confidence that the partnership would help translate professional expertise and industry experience into practical value for Bangladesh’s textile sector.

ITET President Engr Md Enayet Hossain said the agreement reflects the organisation’s commitment to moving beyond discussion and creating visible outcomes through joint work on innovation, research, knowledge sharing, professional development and sustainable industry development.

ATM Mahbubul Alam Milton, Executive Director of Masco Group and a member of the TIE Steering Board, said innovation has become essential for the survival and competitiveness of the textile industry, noting that even small improvements in daily operations can produce significant results.

The newly formed Innovation & Research Cell will coordinate joint activities between the two organisations through nominated focal persons and regular meetings. Beyond the Expo, the partnership will cover international research conferences, technical training, masterclasses, policy research, advocacy initiatives and a peer-reviewed international journal.

The organisers said the collaboration is intended to help factories systematically implement, measure and scale innovation, strengthening the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry.