Handloom Technology Centre of Excellence Inaugurated at IIT Delhi
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Union Textile Minister Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurated the Handloom Technology Centre of Excellence (CoE-HT) at IIT Delhi on August 3, 2026. This marks a significant step in modernizing India's handloom sector through technology, innovation, and research. The event also saw the launch of five major initiatives aimed at accelerating innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation in the handloom sector.
Background
The handloom sector in India is a vital part of the country's cultural heritage and economy, employing millions of weavers. The government has been focusing on modernizing this sector through various schemes and technological interventions. The establishment of CoE-HT is part of the Ministry of Textiles' commitment to preserve the rich handloom heritage while equipping the sector with advanced technologies and innovation-based solutions.
Key facts
The Handloom Technology Centre of Excellence (CoE-HT) was inaugurated at IIT Delhi by Union Textile Minister Shri Giriraj Singh on August 3, 2026.
The centre will conduct research in loom modernization, worker ergonomics, artificial intelligence, sustainability, functional innovation, and digital technologies.
It will develop a national repository of handloom knowledge, create AI-enabled tools, and facilitate technology transfer.
The centre will support startups and train at least 1,000 weavers, faculty members, and handloom professionals over the next five years.
Five major initiatives were launched: Handloom 4.0 mobile app, Handloom e-Vidya, HandloomX, Kalagriha Handloom Studio, and Threads of Valour.
Handloom 4.0 app enables digital monitoring of factory/loom productivity, quality, maintenance, and sustainability.
Handloom e-Vidya is a comprehensive digital learning and knowledge platform for capacity building in the handloom ecosystem.
HandloomX is an accelerator and incubation platform supporting startups and innovators working in the ministry's 5F value chain.
Kalagriha Handloom Studio uses digital technologies to connect contemporary consumers with authentic handloom products through customization and visualization.
Threads of Valour is a sustainability initiative that converts scientifically recycled defence textiles into premium handloom fabrics with skilled craftsmanship.
Prelims pointers
- CoE-HT: Handloom Technology Centre of Excellence at IIT Delhi
- Ministry of Textiles
- 5F value chain: Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign
- Handloom 4.0 app
- Handloom e-Vidya
- HandloomX
- Kalagriha Handloom Studio
- Threads of Valour
- IIT Delhi
Mains angles
- GS3: Role of technology in modernizing traditional industries like handloom
- GS3: Government initiatives for sustainable development and digital transformation in the textile sector
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for the welfare of weavers and artisans