Who is eligible to apply for HIYIC 2026?

The challenge is open to a wide range of participants including young innovators, early-stage startups and founders, researchers, industry professionals, individual weavers, and weaver associations & cooperatives.

What kind of solutions is the challenge looking for?

HIYIC 2026 seeks impactful solutions for the handloom sector across five key themes: Farm (sustainable materials), Fibre (yarn innovation), Factory (loom innovation), Fashion (design and branding), and Foreign (market access and exports). Solutions should leverage technology, promote sustainability, or introduce design innovation.

What is the maximum funding available?

The challenge offers an opportunity for seed funding of up to ₹30 Lakhs for promising innovations. This funding is non-dilutive, meaning no equity stake is taken from your company.

Is this an equity-based investment?

No, the seed funding provided through HIYIC 2026 is equity-free. It is a grant to support your innovation and help you develop your solution without taking a stake in your company.

What kind of support is provided beyond funding?

Beyond seed funding, participants will benefit from mentorship by industry experts, access to new markets and strategic partnership opportunities, and the chance to join a vibrant community of like-minded innovators working towards the sustainable growth of the handloom sector.

Handloom India Young Innovation Challenge 2026 (HIYIC 2026) – Up to ₹30 Lakhs

Organizers

Organizer

AIC IIT Delhi (Atal Incubation Centre, IIT Delhi)

Sonipat · Haryana · India

Overview AIC IIT Delhi (Atal Incubation Centre — IIT Delhi Sonipat Innovation Foundation) is a not-for-profit Section-8 company set up at the IIT Delhi Technopark in Sonipat, Haryana, and funded by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog. It is one of the most…

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Applicants complete the online application form and submit their detailed proposal/pitch deck.
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The Handloom India Young Innovation Challenge 2026 (HIYIC 2026) is a flagship initiative spearheaded by AIC IIT Delhi, in close collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology (CoEHT), IIT Delhi. This impactful program is strategically supported by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, reflecting a national commitment to revitalizing and modernizing the traditional handloom sector.

This challenge is meticulously designed to harness the power of young minds and innovative ventures, fostering a new era of growth and sustainability within India's rich handloom heritage. It extends an open invitation to a diverse group of participants, including young innovators, burgeoning startups, dedicated researchers, seasoned industry professionals, individual master weavers, and established weaver associations and cooperatives. The core objective is to galvanize these diverse stakeholders to collectively conceive and develop ground-breaking solutions that address critical challenges and unlock new opportunities across the entire handloom value chain.

The HIYIC 2026 specifically seeks to stimulate innovation across five pivotal themes: Farm (sustainable materials, natural dyes, farmer-weaver linkages), Fibre (yarn innovation, fibre processing, recycled materials), Factory (loom innovation, digital tools, sustainable manufacturing practices), Fashion (contemporary design, effective branding, enhanced customer experiences), and Foreign (global market access, export strategies, and international branding). By focusing on these interconnected areas, the challenge aims to integrate technology, promote ecological sustainability, and champion innovative design, ultimately ensuring the enduring vibrancy and global competitiveness of the Indian handloom sector.

The selection process for the Handloom India Young Innovation Challenge 2026 is designed to identify the most promising and impactful solutions for the handloom sector. Initially, submitted applications and proposals will be thoroughly reviewed by a dedicated screening committee comprising specialists from AIC IIT Delhi and CoEHT, with expertise in technology, textiles, and social impact. This committee will evaluate entries based on criteria such as innovation novelty, technical feasibility, potential for scalable impact, team strength, and alignment with the challenge themes. High-scoring applications will proceed to a more in-depth evaluation round, which may include virtual interviews or requests for additional documentation to clarify aspects of the proposed solution. Finally, a panel of esteemed jury members, including prominent figures from the Ministry of Textiles, academia, and the handloom industry, will assess the shortlisted finalists. This final evaluation typically involves a presentation or pitch session where innovators showcase their ideas, followed by a Q&A session. The jury's decision will be final, leading to the selection of deserving innovators for seed funding and comprehensive support.

Handloom India Young Innovation Challenge 2026 (HIYIC 2026)

Handloom India Young Innovation Challenge 2026 (HIYIC 2026)

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