Revamping India's Handloom Heritage: The Launch of CoE-HT at IIT Delhi

To boost India’s traditional handloom sector, the Government of India is launching the Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology (CoE-HT) at IIT Delhi on August 3, 2026. Established with an investment of ₹11.99 crore ($1.28 million) and to be inaugurated by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, the center serves as an innovation and knowledge hub. By bridging traditional artisan techniques with advanced research, digital tools, and artificial intelligence, the initiative seeks to solve long-standing challenges in loom modernization, ergonomics, authenticity, and supply chain traceability. Furthermore, over the next five years, it will build a digital repository, secure patents, support startup incubation, and upgrade skills to enhance global market competitiveness for a workforce of over 3.5 million weavers—nearly 70% of whom are women. The inauguration will also introduce five key programs—Handloom 4.0, Handloom e-Vidya, HandloomX, Kalagriha Handloom Studio, and Threads of Valour—focused on digital growth, design innovation, circularity, and entrepreneurial support. By uniting academic researchers, industry leaders, technologists, and designers, the center aims to blend heritage craftsmanship with modern technology. Ultimately, this collaboration is designed to increase productivity, empower local weavers, encourage sustainable practices, and elevate the international presence of India's handloom industry. $MANYAVAR $SIYSIL $RAYMONDLSL