In a move to strengthen India’s apparel manufacturing ecosystem and equip rural youth with advanced skills, an AI-enabled Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Design and Fashion Technology has been inaugurated in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. The facility has been set up by the Apparel, Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) and was inaugurated by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Designed as a modern hub for skill development, innovation, and industry collaboration, the Centre introduces eight training programmes, including Sewing Machine Operator, Self-Employed Tailor, Fashion Designing and Technology, along with specialised AI-integrated courses.
Located around 50 km from Delhi in western Uttar Pradesh, the CoE aims to address regional skill gaps by offering advanced training in apparel manufacturing, fashion design, and digital technologies. The curriculum includes areas such as AI-driven fashion design, 3D prototyping, smart cutting, supply chain management, pattern making, tailoring, and embroidery.
During the inauguration, Shri Jayant Chaudhary highlighted that the initiative aligns skill development with emerging technologies, creating employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation opportunities for rural youth. He also emphasised the apparel sector’s significant contribution to employment, supporting nearly 80 lakh livelihoods annually.
Padma Shri Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman of AMHSSC, stated that the Centre reflects a commitment to building a future-ready workforce through AI-powered training, smart manufacturing tools, and advanced design capabilities, enhancing India’s global competitiveness in apparel manufacturing.
Spread over approximately 9,000 sq ft with an investment of around ₹5 crore, the facility includes smart classrooms, advanced sewing machines—featuring AI-enabled units—along with CAD-CAM systems, 3D design tools, and modern manufacturing equipment. Digital solutions such as smart workstations, computerized embroidery, and simulation-based learning create an industry-like training environment.
Ashish Srivastava, CEO of AMHSSC, underlined the Centre’s focus on empowering women by providing access to advanced training in a safe and inclusive environment, enabling them to achieve economic independence and entrepreneurial growth.
A standout feature of the Centre is its AI-powered sewing machines, capable of automatically identifying fabric types and adjusting parameters such as pressure, speed, and stitch density. This enhances efficiency, reduces defects, and minimises material waste. Additionally, the CAD-CAM-enabled cutting lab ensures precision, optimal fabric utilisation, and consistent quality through automated pattern-making and cutting technologies.
The initiative is expected to benefit a large number of youth, particularly in rural areas, by equipping them with industry-ready skills and integrating them into the apparel value chain. It also aims to promote entrepreneurship, encourage MSME adoption of advanced manufacturing, and support sustainable growth in India’s textile and apparel sector.