Six Countries Join Forces in TechStyle Erasmus+ Project

France, Sweden, Spain, Greece, Italy and Turkey have come together under the TechStyle Erasmus+ Project to develop artificial intelligence-powered solutions for 'circular and regenerative fashion' in the apparel and clothing manufacturing sector. The Aegean Ready-Made Garment and Clothing Exporters Association from Turkey will play a role in this project.

The 'TechStyle: AI-Driven Circular and Regenerative Fashion in VET Education' project, which has received funding from the European Union's Erasmus+ programme, will lead the sector's digital and sustainable transformation.

Digitalisation Essential for Competition
As the Turkish economy undergoes disinflation, labour-intensive sectors are seeking new methods to remain competitive with global rivals in the world market. The Turkish apparel and clothing manufacturing sector aims to maintain strong global competitiveness by using artificial intelligence more effectively across all stages from design to production.

"TechStyle will Accelerate Transformation with Artificial Intelligence"
Burak Sertbaş, Chairman of the Aegean Ready-Made Garment and Clothing Exporters Association (EHKİB), emphasised that the project aligns with the EU's Sustainable and Circular Textiles Strategy and artificial intelligence regulations, stating: "TechStyle will focus on digital transformation by providing artificial intelligence-powered solutions that optimise raw material procurement, waste reduction and production efficiency in apparel and clothing manufacturing. Sweden and France, which stand out with their artificial intelligence initiatives, will share best practices with Greece, Spain, Italy and Turkey, where the sector is rooted but requires greater digital and green innovation."

Noting that the project, with a budget of EUR 250,000, will run for two years, Sertbaş said, "Through TechStyle, EHKİB will guide the sector's workforce in developing digital skills and facilitate the sector's transition to data-driven, artificial intelligence-powered solutions. This project will make a strong contribution to sustainable transformation in the apparel and clothing manufacturing sector."

Project Launches in November in France
The TechStyle Project will officially kick off with an opening meeting to be held in France in November 2025. Through this project:
•    Vocational training programmes will be prepared for integrating the apparel sector with artificial intelligence-powered models and technologies,
•    The developed programme will be offered to companies in partner countries via the TechStyle Platform,
•    At the local level, focus will be placed on artificial intelligence-based entrepreneurship skills, particularly for women,
•    At the national level, contributions will be made to economic growth and increased exports by improving the competitiveness of the apparel and clothing manufacturing sector,
•    In line with the EU Sustainable and Circular Textiles Strategy and artificial intelligence applications, the adaptation of artificial intelligence in the sector for a sustainable, circular economy will be accelerated.

In this way, apparel workers, designers, entrepreneurs and recent graduates in the Aegean Region will be able to directly benefit from training developed at EU level.