We are the leading Ethiopian university institute focusing on the fields of textile, garment and fashion design. iOTEX was founded in 2010 as an “Institute of Technology”, but it has a long and successful history starting in 1963, when the textile department was one of the founders of the then Bahir Dar Polytechnic Institute. 
Meanwhile, profound changes have taken place at iOTEX on: 
  • Research: The institute was restructured following key competencies. At the moment, three Centres of Competency are established focusing on Textile Production, Textile Finishing/Chemistry and Garment Technology/Fashion Design. These so-called “Chairs” are managed by Chair Heads being responsible for the respective research programmes and the corresponding lab infrastructure. This new structure fosters the envelopment of most capable experts on their respective subject.

  • Teaching and Learning: All curricula have been thoroughly revised according to the ECTS concept (European Credit Transfer System). This includes the modularization of all courses, a clear definition of the learning outcomes and a Qualified Internship Semester in industry for all of our students. In order to put this into practice efficiently, the majority of the lecturers and assistants has already got a pedagogical training. Additionally, the teaching-learning process is monitored and supported by a Teaching/Learning and a UIL (University Industry Linkage) Officer.

  • Programmes: Since iOTEX is the only such institute in the country, its programmes have to cover all needs of the textile sector. Thus, iOTEX is educating Textile Engineers, Garment Engineers, Textile TVET Teachers, Garment TVET Teachers and Fashion Designers.

  • Staff development:iOTEX cannot expect to get any well-skilled teaching staff from other Ethiopian universities. For this reason we launched a master programme and even a PhD programme. By this means a sustainable academic structure will be established in the medium term, providing a sufficient number of high-class teaching staff for our and for other institutions.

  • Technology Transfer: The accumulated textile knowledge of iOTEX should not only be given to our students, but should also help the Ethiopian textile and garment enterprises to enhance their quality, their productivity and their competitiveness on the world-market. We support the textile sector by giving training and consultancy or by performing contract research. Based on framework agreements with governmental institutions or employers’ associations and on direct contracts with single enterprises all these activities are professionally managed by the iOTEX Technology Transfer Office.

These are only some examples of things happening at iOTEX. Many others could be mentioned or are in the pipeline. All these efforts are steps towards our vision: to become one of the top addresses for textile education and textile research in Africa. This website tries to keep you informed about our activities. If you are interested to cooperate with iOTEX in any way, you are heartily invited to contact us.