Key Development

Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited has incorporated a new subsidiary company named Kothari Industrial IUAD Design Private Limited for establishing a proposed international design institution in collaboration with IUAD – Istituto Universitario di Architettura e Design, Italy.

Subsidiary Details

The newly incorporated subsidiary will establish India's first international design institution of its kind. The institution will be strategically located at Hosur, Tamil Nadu, near Bengaluru. Remaining statutory, regulatory, and administrative formalities are currently under process.

Academic Model

The institution will feature a revolutionary Industry-Integrated Learning Model:

  • 30% of learning through classroom teaching, design studios, academic instruction, and creative workshops
  • 70% dedicated to practical learning on industry-simulated production floors, innovation centers, prototyping laboratories, digital design facilities, and advanced manufacturing environments within the campus

International Collaboration

The partnership with IUAD Italy will provide:

  • International student and faculty exchange programmes
  • Collaborative global design projects
  • Exposure to European design philosophy and innovation
  • Opportunities for international workshops and research
  • Academic pathways leading to postgraduate and specialized design programmes in Italy
  • Access to international qualifications and global career opportunities

Academic Programs

The institution proposes to offer programmes in:

  • Product Design
  • Footwear Design
  • Leather Goods and Accessories Design
  • Fashion Design
  • Apparel Design
  • Furniture and Interior Design
  • Visual Communication
  • Fashion Communication
  • Fashion Management
  • Lifestyle and Luxury Product Design

Centers of Excellence

The institution plans to establish Centers of Excellence dedicated to:

  • Product Innovation
  • Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
  • Sustainable Design
  • Material Innovation
  • Artificial Intelligence in Design
  • Digital Product Development
  • Entrepreneurship and Start-ups
  • Design Research
  • Industry Collaboration

Strategic Vision

The initiative aims to transform India's image from being recognized primarily as a contract manufacturing destination into a nation celebrated for design excellence, innovation, product creation, and globally admired brands. The mission is to accelerate India's journey from "Made in India" to "Designed in India".

Management Commentary

Mr. Jinnah Rafiq Ahmed, Chairman of the initiative, stated: "Our vision is not merely to establish another design institution but to build a globally respected centre of excellence that will shape the future of design education in India. Through our partnership with IUAD, Italy, we are bringing together the finest traditions of Italian design with India's extraordinary manufacturing capability, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit."

Additional Information

The business update will be made available on the Company's website. The disclosure was signed by Anil Kumar Padhiali, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer, on 28.07.2026 at 15:10:41 IST.