Starting October 6, the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT), Ministry of Economic Affairs, has set up a DoIT Pavilion at the 2026 Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show (TITAS), held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center for three days. Six institutions-the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI), the Material and Chemical Research Laboratories (MCL) of the Industrial Technology R-esearch Institute (ITRI), the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF), the Footwear and Recreation Technology Research Institute, the Plastics Industry Development Center (PIDC), and the Printing Technology Research Institute (PTRI)-present more than 40 government-funded R&D results on functional applications, environmental sustainability, and smart manufacturing, spanning materials, processes, and testing and showcasing their cross-disciplinary strength.
DoIT Deputy Director-General Chung-Pin CHOU said that, to meet international brands' circularity and sustainability requirements and market demand for functional and smart products, DoIT integrates cross-disciplinary R&D capabilities through its institution-led programs. It helps companies raise product value through innovation, promotes technology transfer and diffusion of results, and accelerates commercialization and entry into global supply chains. All six featured technologies have been adopted into companies' product development, showing that the results are ready for real-world application. DoIT will continue to nurture key industrial technologies.
The six featured technologies have generated technology transfer agreements totaling approximately NT$34 million and a projected production value exceeding NT$1.3 billion. TTRI's circular athletic footwear won a 2026 R&D 100 Award, known as the "Oscars of Innovation."
ITRI's "Textile Purification Driven by Ambient Light and Heat" disperse catalysts uniformly within the fibers, removing more than 90% of odors and harmful gases under everyday light and temperature, with lasting effect. Adopted with Huamao, Norm Pacific Automation , Always Champion Enterprise , and MEY TII ENTERPRISE, they are used in purifying textiles, curtains, automotive air-conditioning filters, paper cat houses, and apparel. Agreements total NT$6 million; projected annual production value exceeds NT$500 million.
TTF's "Sewing and Application Technology for Protective Textile and Products" integrates ergonomic patterns, reinforced seams, and specialized sewing fixtures, so racing and tactical apparel combines protection with flexibility. Each 50-millimeter width of seam withstands about 30 kilograms-force, stays stable under attached loads, and resists tearing. It also connects printing and protective materials from PTRI, the Footwear and Recreation Technology Research Institute, and PIDC. Adopters:Yuantex, Atunas, and EVER SAFETEX. Agreements total NT$2.15 million; projected production value is NT$470 million.
The Footwear and Recreation Technology Research Institute's "Less is More:Lighten Your Life with Auxetic Design" enlarges the strap's contact area with the shoulder and neck as it stretches under load. With lightweight foam and a three-dimensional openwork design, it reduces pressure by at least 15%, verified by pressure measurement, whereas conventional straps concentrate pressure locally. The institute's mechanical validation helps companies understand pressure-reduction data. Applications include heavy-load backpacks, camera straps, and protective sports gear, with partners SHINHSIEN, BERNY, and AncesPro Industrial CO., LTD. Agreements total approximately NT$3.5 million; projected production value is NT$60 million to NT$100 million.
TTRI's "Circular Athletic Footwear: One Material, Full Recycling" meets international brands' circularity requirements. A reusable solvent separates polyurethane and elastane from shoe uppers and removes dyes in one step without damaging the polyester, achieving 99% dye removal and 99.5% recovered polyester purity. The technology links Long John Tsung Right Industrial),Far Eastern New Century, and MIDES in international sports brands' supply chain, building a footwear recycling and regeneration value chain. Agreements total approximately NT$12.25 million; recycled polyester fabrics are projected to generate about NT$70 million annually.
PIDC's "Impact-resistant All-Nylon Composite Sports and Protective Equipment" uses nylon as both matrix and reinforcement. Its impact strength exceeds 1,200 J/m, better than the polycarbonate (PC) used in helmets and face shields, at a density of only 1.14 g/cm3, just above water. Unlike conventional composites, it is 100% recyclable, and local production can lower raw material costs to 60% of the original. Applications include racing gloves, knee pads, and pickleball paddles, with partners Lealea), Nam Liong Global, MeiChuan, and Sun Yung . Agreements total NT$8 million; projected annual production value is NT$80 million to NT$120 million.
PTRI's "Intelligent Spectral Identification and Quality Prediction Technology for Composite Materials" AI with hyperspectral imaging to identify yarn twist type and hairiness without destroying samples, at 97.76% accuracy, and maps conductive-coating uniformity with 95% assessment accuracy. Unlike visual inspection that consumes samples, it is objective and non-consumptive, helping companies catch quality problems early and cut losses. Applied by Jin Shin, HSIEH CHIN, and TSO PIAO CO., LTD. Agreements total approximately NT$2.1 million; projected production value is NT$100 million.