Empowering the Next Generation of Textile Innovators with Smart Textiles Education
The SmartInno project, formally known as Advancing Knowledge & Innovation in European Smart Textiles Education, has officially launched to address the educational gaps in the fast-growing field of smart textiles.
This 12-month project, funded with a €60,000 grant under the Erasmus+ Small-scale Partnerships in Vocational Education and Training (KA210-VET), aims to revolutionise textile education by fostering knowledge transfer between industry professionals and educational institutions.
As smart textiles rapidly transform industries from healthcare to sports, there is a growing need to adapt educational curriculums at both vocational and university levels. Currently, students lack the necessary training to meet the demands of this evolving field. SmartInno’s primary objectives are to identify the specific skills needed in smart textiles, bridge the knowledge gaps in educational programs, and create innovative, practical learning materials for students and teachers alike.
The project, led by a consortium of top European organisations including Textile ETP, TITERA (Slovenia) and Smart-Tex Netzwerk (Germany), will create a digital platform that will provide a range of educational content from basic to advanced levels. This platform will be a valuable resource for students studying textile design, technology and manufacturing, providing them with the skills needed to succeed in smart textiles.
Consortium's highlights, “Our goal is to equip the next generation of textile workers with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills. By collaborating with SMEs, accelerators, and industry experts, we ensure that our educational materials meet the current and future needs of the industry.”
Key Activities:
Two online surveys targeting educational institutions and smart textile industries will collect data to define the content of the educational materials.
Creation of a comprehensive digital learning platform with multi-level content covering the latest advancements in smart textiles.
Organising workshops and testing sessions in Slovenia, Germany, and Belgium, where students, educators, and industry professionals will interact with and provide feedback on the developed materials.
This collaborative initiative will culminate in practical work placements for selected students, offering hands-on experience with leading companies in the field. By aligning educational content with market needs, SmartInno seeks to produce a workforce that will drive Europe’s leadership in smart textile innovation.
For more information about SmartInno or to participate in our upcoming workshops, please stay tuned to SmartX Innovation Hub LinkedIn page.
