Craft-tech fusion: Startups redefining Indian handicrafts with AI & e-commerce

India’s handicraft industry is a dazzling mosaic of culture and creativity, now being rewoven with threads of technology. In 2025, this centuries-old sector, employing over 15 crore (150 million) artisans, is experiencing a resurgence driven by digital transformation, sustainability, and global demand.

AI may seem like an unlikely ally for age-old crafts, but startups are leveraging it to solve age-old problems.

A new wave of startups is blending artificial intelligence (AI) and e-commerce platforms (like Shopify and its homegrown equivalents) to modernize traditional crafts. These “craft-tech” ventures are not only expanding market access for artisans but also aligning with sustainability goals. The result is a tech-driven entrepreneurship trend that’s breathing new life into Indian handicrafts while promoting eco-friendly practices.

AI: The New Artisan’s Ally

AI may seem like an unlikely ally for age-old crafts, but startups are leveraging it to solve age-old problems. Take Bare Craft, a ...