Handloom India Young Innovation Challenge 2026 (HIYIC 2026)

The Handloom India Young Innovation Challenge 2026 (HIYIC 2026) is organised by AIC IIT Delhi, in partnership with the Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology (CoEHT), IIT Delhi. The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, provides strategic support to the programme, underscoring a national push to modernise and rejuvenate the traditional handloom sector.

The challenge invites young innovators, startups, researchers, industry professionals, individual master weavers, and weaver associations and cooperatives to collaborate on solutions that address pressing issues and open new avenues across the handloom value chain. Its focus is on driving growth and sustainability within India’s handloom heritage.

Innovation is sought across five themes: Farm (sustainable materials, natural dyes, farmer-weaver linkages), Fibre (yarn innovation, fibre processing, recycled materials), Factory (loom innovation, digital tools, sustainable manufacturing), Fashion (contemporary design, branding, customer experiences), and Foreign (global market access, export strategies, international branding). The initiative aims to integrate technology, ecological sustainability, and innovative design to secure the long-term vitality and global competitiveness of Indian handlooms.

• Step 1: Online Application Submission: Applicants must fill out the official online application form on the programme’s designated portal. The form asks for details about the applicant, any team members, and a full account of the proposed solution, covering its fit with the handloom sector and the selected theme.
• Step 2: Idea and Proposal Submission: Alongside the application, participants need to provide a pitch deck or a detailed proposal that describes the innovation, its distinct advantages, technical viability, market prospects, and expected effects on the handloom ecosystem.
• Step 3: Initial Screening and Evaluation: A panel of experts from AIC IIT Delhi and CoEHT will review submissions to check alignment with the challenge themes, innovation potential, and eligibility requirements.
• Step 4: Shortlisting and Further Review: Those shortlisted may be asked to attend a virtual interview or supply extra material to expand on their proposals.
• Step 5: Final Presentation/Pitch: A shortlist of finalists will present their innovations to a grand jury made up of industry leaders, government officials, and academic experts.
• Step 6: Selection and Award: Chosen innovators will be informed of their selection, and the seed funding and other benefits will be released according to the programme’s terms and conditions.

The evaluation for the Handloom India Young Innovation Challenge 2026 begins with a review of all submitted applications by a screening committee drawn from AIC IIT Delhi and CoEHT, whose members bring expertise in technology, textiles, and social impact. Entries are scored on innovation novelty, technical feasibility, scalability, team strength, and alignment with the challenge themes. Those with high scores move to a deeper assessment stage, which may involve virtual interviews or requests for further documentation.

Shortlisted finalists are then reviewed by a jury that includes representatives from the Ministry of Textiles, academia, and the handloom industry. This stage typically includes a presentation or pitch, followed by a question-and-answer session. The jury's decision is final, and selected innovators receive seed funding and comprehensive support.