Catalyst AIC & Aadyam Handwoven Launch ‘Gurukul’ for Startups

Catalyst AIC and Aadyam Handwoven Launch ‘Gurukul’ Accelerator to Empower Craft-Led Textile Startups

In a significant step to strengthen India’s rich handloom and craft-based entrepreneurial ecosystem, Catalyst AIC, an impact-driven accelerator supported by IFMR, has partnered with Aadyam Handwoven, a social initiative by the Aditya Birla Group, to launch “Gurukul”—an exclusive entrepreneurship development program for early-stage craft and textile entrepreneurs.

The Gurukul program is tailored for startups working at the intersection of design, textiles, and traditional crafts, offering them mentorship, business training, and access to growth capital. Through this initiative, startups will gain insights from Aadyam Handwoven’s leadership, tap into Catalyst AIC’s network, and explore new pathways for scale and sustainability.

Voices from the Launch

Manish Saksena, Business Head of Aadyam Handwoven, said:

“With rising interest and investments in the handloom sector, it’s crucial to combine passion with strategy. Through Gurukul, we aim to mentor committed entrepreneurs who can build impactful and scalable craft businesses.”

Deepanshu Khandelwal, CEO of Catalyst AIC, added:

“We’ve supported over 70 startups focused on social impact. Gurukul brings this experience into the craft and textile space—supporting entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and market access to build ventures that honor India’s artisanal heritage.”

Why Gurukul?

India ranks among the top five global exporters in the craft sector, with the industry expected to grow to $7.8 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.9%. Gurukul steps in as a 3-month accelerator program designed to support this momentum by nurturing innovative, purpose-driven textile ventures.

Key Program Highlights:

• One-on-One Mentorship: Personalized guidance from experts, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
• Business Development Support: Strategies for scaling, market expansion, customer engagement, and competitive benchmarking.
• Curriculum-Driven Learning: Covering design thinking, business models, marketing, and financial planning.
• Capital & Network Access: Opportunities for seed funding through the Catalyst Seed Fund and exposure to investors and industry networks.
• Product Innovation: Opportunities for pilot testing, blending international design trends with Indian craft.

Gurukul aims to enable startups to build impactful, scalable ventures rooted in tradition, yet forward-looking in design and execution.