The selection of artisans through Bootcamp-II for the Handicraft Incubation Programme was successfully conducted on 22nd July 2025 at the KIIT-Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI), Bhubaneswar. This incubation program, supported by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, aims at identifying and empowering skilled artisans from four of Odisha’s diverse and vibrant craft traditions—Appliqué, Hand Painting, Ceramics, and Filigree. The programme is designed to nurture and strengthen entrepreneurial capacity among artisans through intensive mentoring, design innovation, technology adoption, financial literacy, and market-driven development strategies.
The selection panel consisted of Shri Samarendra Sahu, Advisor, KIIT-TBI, Sri Bhuwan Bhaskar, Assistant Director, Handicraft Service Centre (HSC), Bhubaneswar; Sri Kalpataru Maharana, National Award-winning Master Artisan in Stone Engraving; Shri Gurukrushna Mohanty, State Design Awardee (2001) in Applique, winning Master Artisan in Appliqué; and Sri Subhajit Karmakar, Handicraft Promotion Officer, HSC Bhubaneswar. The entire process was coordinated by Mr. Debashis Tripathy, Project Leader and Senior Manager, supported by the dedicated project team at KIIT-TBI. The outreach for applications was carried out through both electronic and print media. In response, a total of 99 applications were received, out of which, 65 women artisans participated in the interview process.
Each applicant underwent a personal interview based on key evaluation parameters including craft knowledge, product demonstration, experience, certifications, educational background, training, and dedication to the incubation programme. The one-on-one interaction allowed artisans to present their creations, describe their techniques, and share their goals. The expert panel selected meritorious artisans from different trades based on their skill, experience and entrepreneurial aptitude. The Bootcamp was concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where the panellists were acknowledged for their contributions, and artisans were appreciated for their creativity and passion. The selected artisans will move into the next phase, the Handicraft Artisans Incubation Programme, which will offer them new opportunities for learning, capacity building and shaping themselves as entrepreneurs to build a sustainable business in the handicraft sector.
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