Jaipur became the launchpad for GURUKUL, a dedicated entrepreneurship development program for early-stage startups in the Indian craft and textile space. This initiative is the result of a collaboration between Catalyst AIC—an impact-oriented accelerator established by IFMR—and Aadyam Handwoven, a social enterprise by the Aditya Birla Group.
The GURUKUL accelerator targets young businesses at the intersection of design, textiles, and craftsmanship. Through a 3-month intensive program, participants will gain business mentorship, tailored support in scaling operations, and access to seed capital and critical market networks. The aim is to build scalable, sustainable ventures rooted in traditional Indian craftsmanship.
Mr. Manish Saksena, Business Head at Aadyam Handwoven, emphasized the current resurgence of interest in the handloom sector and the need for strategic mentorship to scale it sustainably. Mr. Deepanshu Khandelwal, CEO of Catalyst AIC, reiterated the organization’s commitment to nurturing startups that impact grassroots communities, highlighting the importance of fostering innovation while preserving heritage.
India, being one of the top five global craft exporters, is poised for growth in the handmade sector, expected to hit USD 7.8 billion by 2032. The Gurukul initiative is strategically designed to help entrepreneurs tap into this potential through guided business development, founder-focused mentoring, and access to investment.
Program Features Include:
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One-on-one mentorship from industry leaders
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Business development strategies and growth planning
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Focused curriculum on design thinking, marketing, and finance
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Exposure to Aadyam Handwoven’s ecosystem and Catalyst Seed Fund
