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AI-Powered Apparel CoE Launched in Bagpat to Boost Rural Skilling and Entrepreneurship

25 Mar, 2026

AI-Powered Apparel CoE Launched in Bagpat to Boost Rural Skilling and Entrepreneurship

New Delhi: In a major push to strengthen India’s apparel sector and create future-ready opportunities for rural youth, Apparel, Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) has set up the Chaudhary Ajit Singh Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Design and Fashion Technology in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. The facility was inaugurated by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India.

The inauguration was attended by Padma Shri Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AMHSSC, and Mr. Ashish Srivastava, CEO, AMHSSC, along with senior officials, industry stakeholders, and representatives from the textile and apparel ecosystem.

Located in western Uttar Pradesh, around 50 kilometres from Delhi, the Centre aims to address regional skill gaps by offering advanced training in apparel manufacturing and emerging fashion technologies. The curriculum includes modules on AI-driven design, 3D prototyping, smart cutting techniques, supply chain processes, pattern making, tailoring, and embroidery.

Speaking at the event, Shri Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the importance of aligning skilling initiatives with evolving technologies. He noted that bringing advanced training infrastructure closer to rural populations will unlock new pathways for employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the region.

He also underlined the significance of the apparel sector as a major employment generator, supporting nearly 80 lakh livelihoods annually and contributing substantially to the country’s economy. For Uttar Pradesh, he said, such initiatives present a strong opportunity to harness the potential of local youth.

Padma Shri Dr. A. Sakthivel stated that the Centre reflects AMHSSC’s vision of preparing a workforce equipped for the future of apparel manufacturing. By combining AI-led learning, smart manufacturing practices, and advanced design tools, the initiative aims to build a highly skilled talent base capable of competing globally.

Developed over an area of approximately 9,000 square feet with an investment of about ₹5 crore, the facility is equipped with three smart classrooms and 43 advanced sewing machines, including AI-enabled units. It also features modern CAD-CAM systems, 3D design software, and specialised manufacturing equipment. The Centre incorporates digital technologies such as smart workstations, computerised embroidery systems, and simulation-based training tools, creating an environment that closely mirrors real industry conditions.

Highlighting the social impact of the initiative, Ashish Srivastava, CEO, AMHSSC, emphasised the role of women in the apparel industry. He noted that the Centre has been designed to provide a safe, inclusive, and technologically advanced learning space, enabling rural women to gain skills, confidence, and financial independence, while also encouraging entrepreneurship.

One of the standout features of the facility is its AI-enabled sewing machines, capable of identifying different fabric types and thickness levels and automatically adjusting settings such as stitching speed, pressure, and stitch density. This not only improves productivity but also reduces defects and material wastage. The initiative is expected to benefit a large number of youth, particularly from rural areas, by equipping them with industry-relevant skills and connecting them to opportunities within the growing apparel value chain.

Beyond skilling, the Centre is also poised to encourage rural entrepreneurship, support MSMEs in adopting modern manufacturing practices, and contribute to sustainable growth in the textile and apparel sector.