International University of Art & Design and Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited(KICL) Partner to Build Global Talent

Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited (KICL) is set to host an exclusive industry presentation on August 6, 2026, in New Delhi, outlining its vision to build a world-class footwear and materials ecosystem in collaboration with the International University of Art & Design (IUAD), Milan, Italy.

The event, titled "Building a World-Class 3M Footwear Ecosystem and Materials Ecosystem," will bring together industry stakeholders to discuss an integrated strategy that combines advanced manufacturing, design innovation, education and international collaboration to strengthen India's footwear sector.

The announcement was made through a regulatory filing submitted to BSE under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

Industry Presentation Scheduled at Bharat Mandapam

The presentation will take place on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Aletta Hall No. 6, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. According to the company, the event will focus on creating a comprehensive ecosystem that connects every stage of the footwear value chain—from raw materials and manufacturing to design, innovation, education and global market access.

The initiative reflects Kothari Industrial's long-term strategy to strengthen India's position as a competitive player in the global footwear industry.

Vision for a World-Class Footwear Ecosystem

At the heart of the presentation is the company's ambition to establish an integrated ecosystem capable of supporting sustainable growth across the footwear and materials industries.

The proposed framework focuses on several key areas:

• Development of world-class materials
• Advanced manufacturing capabilities
• Design excellence and innovation
• International partnerships
• Expansion into global markets

By partnering with IUAD Milan, a renowned Italian institution specialising in design education, Kothari Industrial aims to bridge industry expertise with internationally recognised academic standards.

Proposed Kothari-IUAD International University

One of the key highlights of the presentation will be the introduction of the proposed Kothari (IUAD) International University, an institution envisioned to develop globally skilled professionals across multiple design disciplines.

The proposed university is expected to offer specialised programmes in:

The institution is intended to serve as a long-term talent development platform, equipping students with internationally benchmarked education while supporting India's growing design and manufacturing industries.

Building Talent for the Future

Beyond manufacturing, Kothari Industrial's proposed educational initiative signals a broader investment in human capital. By combining industry expertise with international academic collaboration, the company aims to create a steady pipeline of skilled designers, innovators and technical professionals capable of meeting evolving global industry demands.

The initiative also highlights the increasing importance of education and research in strengthening India's manufacturing competitiveness.

Regulatory Disclosure

The company disclosed the upcoming event through an official filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in accordance with SEBI's listing regulations. The filing was signed by Anil Kumar Padhiali, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, confirming the date, venue and strategic objectives of the industry presentation.

At this stage, the company has not announced any financial projections or investment figures related to the initiative, with the presentation primarily focused on its long-term vision for ecosystem development.

Why This Matters

India is one of the world's largest producers of footwear, yet much of the industry's value creation still lies overseas through advanced design, branding and innovation. Kothari Industrial's collaboration with IUAD Milan represents an effort to strengthen these higher-value segments by integrating manufacturing with design education and international expertise.

If successfully implemented, the initiative could contribute to developing a stronger domestic talent pool, encourage greater innovation and enhance India's competitiveness in the global footwear and lifestyle products market.

Editor's Note

The future of manufacturing is no longer determined solely by production capacity—it is increasingly shaped by design, intellectual property, skilled talent and global collaboration. Countries that dominate premium consumer industries have built ecosystems where education, innovation and manufacturing evolve together rather than in isolation.

Kothari Industrial's proposed collaboration with IUAD Milan reflects this changing reality. While factories produce goods, universities cultivate ideas, designers create differentiation and partnerships unlock international opportunities. Bringing these elements under one strategic vision has the potential to reshape how India's footwear industry competes globally.

The real success of this initiative will depend not only on ambitious announcements but also on sustained execution. If the proposed university, industry partnerships and ecosystem development materialise as envisioned, they could help position India as a destination not just for manufacturing footwear, but for designing, innovating and leading the industry's next phase of growth.

FAQs

1. What is the Kothari Industrial industry presentation about?

The event will outline the company's vision for building a world-class footwear and materials ecosystem through manufacturing, design, innovation and international collaboration.

2. When and where will the event take place?

The presentation is scheduled for August 6, 2026, at Aletta Hall No. 6, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

3. Who is collaborating with Kothari Industrial?

The initiative is being organised in partnership with the International University of Art & Design (IUAD), Milan, Italy.

4. What is the proposed Kothari (IUAD) International University?

It is a proposed international institution aimed at offering globally benchmarked education in footwear design, leather goods, apparel, furniture and interior design, and fashion management.

5. What are the key objectives of the initiative?

The company aims to strengthen India's footwear industry by integrating advanced manufacturing, innovative design, global partnerships, talent development and expanded market opportunities.

6. Has Kothari Industrial announced any financial details?

No. The regulatory filing focuses on the company's strategic vision and does not include financial projections or investment figures.

7. Why is this initiative significant?

The collaboration seeks to create a stronger innovation ecosystem, develop skilled professionals and enhance India's competitiveness in the global footwear and design industries.