To mark the celebrations of 40^th Foundation Day, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will host the NIFT International Conference 2026, titled “Design for Inclusive Futures”, on 22 and 23 January 2026 at its Mumbai campus. Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, and Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Smt Neelam Shami Rao, will grace the occasion as chief guests and will also unveil the NIFT Timeline Wall and release the NIFT commemorative book highlighting key milestones achieved over the last 40 years.

Marking four decades of the National Institute of Fashion Technology’s contribution to fashion education, design innovation and industry engagement in the country, the two-day event will feature keynote addresses by eminent thought leaders, parallel paper presentation sessions, panel discussions, invited papers, hands-on workshops, a crafts bazaar, and student and industry exhibitions. A special highlight on the evening of 22 January 2026 will be “Samvaad”, an interactive breakout session with NIFT alumni and industry representatives, including a masterclass on VisionNxt, NIFT’s AI- and EI-enabled Fashion Forecasting Lab.

A specially curated crafts bazaar will give conference delegates an opportunity to witness live demonstrations of craft-making and to buy handicrafts and handlooms directly from the artisans. An exhibition by University of the Arts London (UAL) on three India-based projects, mentored by NIFT faculty under the theme “New Landscapes” in collaboration with the British Council, will also be showcased. Presenters will represent leading institutions, including Manchester Metropolitan University (UK), Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design (New Zealand), Swiss Textile College, NSUT Delhi, NID, CEPT University, Amity University, IIAD, United World University and NIFT, among others.

Established in 1986, NIFT is India’s premier institution for fashion education and was accorded statutory status in 2006 through an Act of the Indian Parliament. Over the years, NIFT has played a significant role in building professional leadership for the textile, apparel, and allied industries, while also functioning as a knowledge partner to central and state governments. The institute has consistently contributed to design development initiatives, sustainability, and the positioning of handlooms and handicrafts.

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MAM/VN