The National Institute of Fashion Technology concluded Day 2 of the NIFT International Conference 2026 at its Mumbai campus on Friday, 23 January 2026. The conference centred on the theme “Design for Inclusive Futures.” Building on the momentum of Day 1, the second day deepened dialogue on equity, accessibility, usability, and inclusive innovation. A structured programme of keynotes, technical sessions, research presentations, and a panel discussion drove the agenda forward.
Accessibility Positioned as a Core Design Responsibility
Prof. Dr. Noopur Anand, Dean, NIFT, delivered the focal keynote address. She framed accessibility as a primary design challenge rather than an afterthought. According to her, designers must embed inclusivity at the beginning of the creative process.
She also expanded the understanding of disability beyond physical limitations. Instead, she encouraged a shift toward sensory-inclusive and age-friendly innovation. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of dignity in design. Adaptive clothing, she noted, should enable both functionality and self-expression for diverse body types. It should not be treated as a niche or charitable category.
Her address highlighted ethical responsibility and responsible scaling. She also called for human-centric education that builds judgment and critical thinking. This direction aligns with NIFT’s long-term commitment to inclusive futures as the institute marks its 40th year.
Industry Transformation and the Human Role in AI
Earlier in the day, Shri. Jalaj Hora, CEO, Synthegrate, and Global Chair, Manchester Metropolitan University, addressed the audience. He described the industry as increasingly complex. Supply chain disruptions, AI-driven consumer behaviour, and circularity pressures shape today’s environment.
He underlined that retail transformation is not only technological but also moral and design-driven. Educators and designers, he argued, must embed human values into AI systems. He stated:
“In 2026, the most successful fashion house won’t be the one with the most data, but the one that uses that data to become more human. Don’t just adopt AI; integrate it so deeply that your people are freed to dream and take creativity to new heights.”
Universal Design as an Economic Imperative
The second keynote came from Shri. Arman Ali, Executive Director, NCPEDP. He focused on universal design and its real-world implications. Drawing on lived experiences, he illustrated the cost of exclusion.
He emphasised that accessibility drives both social and economic value. Excluding persons with disabilities leads to measurable losses. He also pointed out persistent gaps in digital and financial accessibility. Inclusion, he argued, must become a foundational design principle.
Craft Heritage Integrated into Inclusive Futures
In addition to academic sessions, the conference featured a Craft Demonstration-cum-Awareness Programme. The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, organised the initiative in collaboration with NIFT.
Master artisans conducted live demonstrations representing diverse craft clusters. This platform encouraged interaction among artisans, designers, scholars, and students. As a result, traditional knowledge connected directly with contemporary design thinking.
Thirty-two handloom and handicraft artisans participated. Among them were Shri. Ram Krishan Dhurvey (Gond Painting), Shri. Sagar Vijay Kherud (Paithani Sari), Shri. Bhaskar Badugu (Ikat Textiles), Shri. Noor Mohammad (Maheshwar Textiles), Shri. Kartik Chauhan (Appliqué), and Shri. Fahad Khatri (Kutch Bandhani). Their presence reinforced the importance of indigenous skills and artisan-led sustainability.
Research Sessions Expand Academic Discourse
Scholars presented 29 peer-reviewed research papers during the technical sessions. These papers explored inclusive design frameworks and user-centric methodologies. Discussions covered fashion, technology, and allied sectors. Consequently, the sessions fostered strong interdisciplinary exchange.
Five invited research papers added further depth. National and international experts examined policy frameworks, emerging trends, and future pathways for responsible design.
FinTech Panel Highlights Design’s Role in Financial Inclusion
The academic programme concluded with a panel titled “Designing for Financial Democracy: The Role of Design in Creating Accessible and Inclusive FinTech Solutions.” The session brought together leaders from banking, accessibility advocacy, and design consulting.
Panellists included Shri. Narendra Ghate, Executive Vice President, HDFC Bank; Shri. Aashish Solanki, CEO, NetBrahma; and Shri. Jalaj Hora. Shri. Arman Ali moderated the discussion.
The panel explored how design can reduce barriers to trust and access in financial systems. Speakers urged organisations to move beyond compliance checklists. Instead, they advocated genuinely inclusive experiences that address literacy, language, and ability differences. Human-centred design, they agreed, remains critical to democratising financial services.
Conference Concludes with Global Outlook
Prof. Dr. Rupa Agrawal, Conference Chair, delivered the valedictory address. She marked the successful conclusion of the two-day event.
Overall, the NIFT International Conference 2026 reinforced the institute’s leadership in inclusive and sustainable design education. At the same time, it established a forward-looking direction for global collaboration and design excellence.
