A+ A A-
  1. Home
  2. NIFT International Conference 2026

Introduction

As National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) celebrates its 40th anniversary, the institution is hosting a conference rooted in a vision of inclusive futures. NIFT has through the years of its existence valued cultural and individual diversity and emphasized on the power of fellowship. This conference takes NIFT’s commitment forward to embrace diverse perspectives, ensuring equitable opportunities, and advancing inclusive practices in the fashion and design community. There have been transformative changes in the way design is viewed and practiced. Design is now responsible to make sense of complexity, digital technologies and disruptive business ideas. And yet stand firm on responsible and ethical ground. The NIFT International Conference 2026 seeks to foster meaningful dialogue, encourage collaboration among stakeholders, and shape a more inclusive and forward-thinking future in design. The conference includes plenary sessions of thought leaders, panel discussions, presentations of academic papers, posters, exhibitions showcasing student and Industry projects in the areas of adaptive clothing and technologies, workshops, fashion show and Craft bazaar where craft communities will display India’s rich artisanal heritage. 

Why this Conference?

In an ever-evolving world, the need to explore future opportunities and research in inclusive design has never been more critical. The current conference aligns with NIFT’s vision by fostering dialogue on designing for diverse needs, ensuring accessibility, and shaping an equitable future. 

Inclusive design is supported by a vast ecosystem of designers, researchers, and industry professionals across allied fields. While deeply rooted in India's unique socio-cultural contexts, it is also a globally significant discourse. 

With Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion reaching a pivotal moment for real change, stakeholders—including academia, corporates, CSRs, social innovation labs, NGOs, and government bodies—are actively invested in shaping a more inclusive future. This conference serves as a vital platform to connect, collaborate, and drive meaningful impact. 

Sub-Themes

1. EQUITY

  • Re-thinking design pedagogy: curricula, policy and practice
  • Empowering Livelihoods: responsible business, grassroots innovation, craft heritage and community integration
  • Diversity in praxis: designing for different identities & design activism
  • Designing for Diversity and Profitability: Inclusive fashion with social impact and business growth

2. ETHICS

  • UN SDGs & Design Thinking: Aligning with global standards (pedagogies, business practices and policy)
  • Sustainable & Ethical Practices: Responsible material sourcing, authenticity and credibility in craft practice and strategies to counter greenwashing
  • Responsible Design & Data Privacy: Ensuring user data protection, transparency, ethical AI, ethical design practices and secure digital experiences
  • Fair Trade: Policies and practices balancing sustainable production and social responsibility

3. ACCESSIBILITY

  • Accessibility Standards and compliance: built environments, products and services
  • Affordable ethical fashion for diverse communities: gender fluidity, people with disabilities and circular fashion
  • Human-Centered & Adaptive Design: intuitive technology, haptics, UX/UI solutions with minimal learning to ensure accessibility through sensory-inclusive and age-friendly innovations

4. USABILITY

  • Material Diversity: Functionality and versatility of materials impacting user experience, needs and design practices
  • Design Innovation Labs: Case studies from academia, industry & government initiatives
  • Behavior & Decision-Making in Design: Leveraging data-driven insights to enhance usability, personalize fashion experiences, and crafting emotional design

Submission Guidelines