ISTED is a Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India run project that Manthan has been running for 5 years. The project aimsat developing entrepreneurs through science and technology intervention. It’sled by the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board, a part of DST.Manthan under this program has identified artisan groups across Gujarat where technology intervention could help improve their production process. The project focuses on areas of earthenware, textiles and wooden crafts.

It is currently being implemented in the regions ofRajkot, Jasdan, Botad, Amreli, Gir Somnath, Dwarka, Junagadh, Porbandar and Kutch in Gujarat. Craft clusters have beendeveloped as a result which can function as a unit and eventually register their own company with a trademark design or technique.Makers Lab is also being formed for the first time on the ground where innovation can constantly happen in craft.

Textile

Specific focus has been provided to women entrepreneurs in the selected villages especially the family members of block printers. Also 5 craft entrepreneurs have been introduced to international craft fairs. There has been an introduction of lean management technologies and systems in block printing units in Dhamadka and Ajrakhpur.

Earthenware Craft

From 2018, Manthan has been working on a focused approach of integrating technology in terracotta craft and also establishing a Makers’ lab for Gundiyali village of Kutch. Several new technologies are being introduced in Kutch and Saurashtra along with trainings. 20 new innovative products in Jasdan metal (metal plate coating on wood) and wooden crafts have been designedbased on market demand like sari cover boxes, jewellery boxes, and boxes for keeping nuts.

We are also designing a small museum on Ajrakh and Terracotta as part of the Makers Lab.

http://craftcanopy.in/