The Government of India is set to establish a leather fashion training centre and design studio in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, aimed at enhancing innovation and growth in the region’s leather industry.

The project, backed by Exim Bank of India, will be part of the District Export Hub Scheme and focus on providing advanced training and cutting-edge technology such as 3D last scanners and 3D printers.

The Kanpur Leather Cluster, home to over 2,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), produces a variety of leather goods, including footwear and handbags.

This cluster provides jobs to around two lakh (200,000) households and contributes significantly to India’s leather exports, which total about Rs 9,000 crore (~$1.1 Billion).

The collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will offer specialized fashion design courses, ensuring that the youth of Kanpur are equipped with the skills needed for a modern leather industry. This initiative is set to transform the local leather sector and increase its global competitiveness.