The ongoing Artisan Incubation Program at KIIT-TBI has emerged as a beacon of transformation for Odisha’s handicraft artisans, blending traditional skillsets with entrepreneurial thinking. Launched in mid-August, this seven-week journey has been shaping rural artisans into confident craftpreneurs equipped for the modern marketplace. The program was launched on 11 th of August 2025 and the initiative is being supported by The Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India.
The program began with a strong foundation week that introduced participants to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and the heritage of Odia crafts. Sessions on business mindset, goal setting, and marketing basics helped artisans connect their traditional expertise with future opportunities. The week also saw artisans entering the digital space through ONDC onboarding and social media account creation, marking their first step into e-commerce.
The second week transitioned from vision to design thinking. Through SMART goal-setting exercises and hands-on modules in product design, participants learned to turn creative ideas into tangible, market-ready products. Field visits to Kala Bhoomi, Raghurajpur Craft Village, and Pipili provided real-world insights into design diversity and cultural continuity, enriching their understanding of Odisha’s artistic identity.
By the third week, the focus shifted to financial literacy and market orientation. Sessions on pricing, profitability, and marketing strategies were complemented by field exposure to production units such as Melfort Abrasives and BEAD Studio. The celebration of Ganesh Puja midway through the week brought a cultural pause, reinforcing the connection between faith and craftsmanship.
Weeks four and five deepened artisans’ exposure to communication, digital marketing, and specialized crafts. Workshops on storytelling, ethical business practices, and customer engagement were followed by intensive product-making workshops for different artisan groups. These hands-on sessions focused on ceramics, applique, and hand painting, enabling participants to explore both traditional methods and innovative design approaches. Guided by master practitioners, the workshops covered diverse techniques — from pinching and slab building in ceramics to intricate stitching and brushwork in textile and surface art — integrating creativity with commercial understanding.
In the recent weeks, the focus has turned to strengthening artisans’ professional growth and preparing them for wider market integration. Sessions on trend forecasting, product cataloging, and innovative social media strategies are helping them build stronger business identities. Themes like empathy, stress management, and ethics are also being emphasized to promote holistic development.
The program, which will continue till the end of October 2025 with the closure in the first week of November 2025, promises to further empower artisans with practical skills, design innovation, and business confidence — ensuring that Odisha’s handicraft legacy evolves with resilience and relevance in the modern marketplace, with a big focus on the less privileged artisans in to craftpreneurs.
Glimpses
