In partnership with SINE IIT Bombay, the JewelStart Industry Innovation Challenge aims to accelerate AI, automation, sustainability and digital transformation across India’s gems and jewellery sector.
Key Highlights
- GJEPC launches India’s first industry-led innovation challenge for gems and jewellery.
- Programme developed in partnership with SINE IIT Bombay.
- Focus on AI, automation, sustainability and digital transformation.
- Eight industry problem statements identified for startup solutions.
- Includes AI-powered jewellery design and automated CAD conversion.
- Open to startups from AI, robotics, IoT, fintech and sustainability sectors.
- Selected startups receive mentorship, pilot projects and funding access.
- Initiative supports GJEPC’s vision of making India the “Jeweller to the World.”
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), in collaboration with SINE IIT Bombay, has launched the JewelStart Industry Innovation Challenge, India’s first industry-led innovation programme dedicated exclusively to the gems and jewellery sector.
The initiative aims to identify, mentor and accelerate startups capable of solving real-world challenges across jewellery manufacturing, design, supply chains, sustainability, automation and retail technology.
Applications for the programme opened on May 25, 2026, with the final cohort expected to be announced in August following a structured five-stage evaluation process.
The challenge marks a significant step towards integrating advanced technologies into one of India’s largest export-driven industries. Startups, innovators and technology companies from across the country are being invited to develop solutions that can improve productivity, efficiency, traceability, sustainability and product development throughout the jewellery value chain.
Speaking about the initiative, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said:
“India’s gems and jewellery industry has always been built on craftsmanship and global trust. Today, we must focus our efforts on innovation and technology. The JewelStart Industry Innovation Challenge is our commitment to ensuring that the next wave of growth for this sector is innovation-led. We are not just looking for solutions — we are building a long-term pipeline of startups that will define the future of jewellery manufacturing, design, and commerce in India and the world.”
To address critical industry needs, GJEPC has identified eight priority areas where technology-driven solutions can create measurable impact. These include smart factory monitoring, precious metal inventory optimisation, manufacturing automation, sustainable production practices, affordable jewellery prototyping, AI-powered quality control, automated 2D-to-3D CAD conversion and generative AI-based jewellery design.
Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, said:
“The gems and jewellery industry contributes enormously to India’s export economy, yet when it comes to technology adoption, we have barely scratched the surface. This challenge is about changing that reality. By connecting motivated startups with real industry problems and real industry stakeholders, we create the conditions for solutions that actually get adopted and scaled. This is how we take Indian jewellery manufacturing to the global frontier — not just in craft, but in capability.”
The programme is open to registered Indian startups with Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above and is not limited to companies already operating within the jewellery sector. Startups working in artificial intelligence, robotics, IoT, sustainability technology, fintech and logistics are also encouraged to participate.
The evaluation process will include application screening, expert jury assessments and an industry showcase, culminating in the selection of high-potential ventures capable of delivering meaningful industry impact.
Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, said:
“JewelStart was built on a simple belief: that the challenges facing our industry are solvable, and that the solutions will come from entrepreneurs who see them differently. This Innovation Challenge gives those entrepreneurs a direct path into the industry — real access to manufacturers, real pilot opportunities, and real conversations with investors who understand this space. We are not just running a competition. We are building the next generation of companies that will power Indian jewellery.”
Selected startups will gain access to mentorship from industry experts, pilot opportunities with manufacturers and retailers, SINE IIT Bombay’s incubation ecosystem and potential funding support through investor connections.
Industry observers believe the initiative could play a key role in accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies across India’s gems and jewellery sector, while helping position the country as a global hub for jewellery innovation and manufacturing excellence.
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