THE BRIJ Incubator Foundry
THE BRIJ Foundry is a residential intensive for early-stage founders building creative enterprises rooted in traditional art and craft, sustainability, innovative materials, and technology that enables the creative sector.
The programme supports founders in strengthening their business foundations and developing clearer approaches to business models, revenue pathways, legal structures, impact and scale. Through an immersive residential experience, participants work alongside a curated cohort of founders, practitioners and experts from across the creative landscape.
Outline
A five-day residential intensive helping early-stage creative entrepreneurs transform cultural ideas into sustainable and scalable ventures through business frameworks, expert guidance and peer exchange.
What Selected Startups Receive
Residential Learning Experience
A fully immersive residential programme with accommodation, meals and all programme costs covered. Travel to the programme venue is borne by participants.
Business and Venture Development
Working sessions focused on business model development, financial fundamentals, legal frameworks, impact strategy and pitch preparation.
Expert Conversations
Open conversations with practitioners, thinkers and leaders from the cultural sector and beyond.
Peer Network
Opportunities to build meaningful connections with fellow founders, domain experts and ecosystem partners.
Pathway to Incubation
High-performing startups can progress into deeper incubation, support and funding opportunities.
Festival Opportunity
Selected founders will have the opportunity to be part of the Serendipity Arts Festival 2026.
Who Can Participate
The Foundry is designed for early-stage founders building ventures across arts, crafts, design, culture, heritage, materials and the creative economy.
Applicants were expected to demonstrate:
- Early market traction and product-market fit
- Proof of work through artisan engagement, customers, partnerships or sales
- Clear market potential and a sustainable business model
- At least one founder actively committed to building the venture
Cohort 1
Meet the first cohort of THE BRIJ Incubator Foundry, comprising ten founders working across culture, creativity and craft-based enterprise.
Founder, House of Thinai
Architect, researcher and cultural practitioner exploring the intersection of culture, craft, design and enterprise. Through House of Thinai and the Thinai Foundation, he works with artisan communities and indigenous knowledge holders to connect cultural preservation with creative enterprise and community-led innovation.
Founder, Unity Trails
Slow fashion designer and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of craft, consciousness and connection. Through Unity Trails, she works across studios, nature and communities to explore more meaningful relationships between craft and people.
Founder, The Mango House
Designer, educator and social entrepreneur working across craft, culture and community development. Through The Mango House, she builds ethical pathways connecting artisans and traditional knowledge with contemporary markets and sustainable livelihoods.
Founder, Desi Art Mag
Founder of Desi Art Mag, a publication created to make South Asian contemporary art more accessible and relatable to wider audiences. With a background in startups, economics and entrepreneurship, his work explores the potential of print and community-led ventures.
Founder, Pusaaka Ventures
Founder and Creative Director of Pusaaka Ventures, a craft-tech platform working to revive India’s endangered artisan traditions through design innovation, digital commerce and knowledge preservation. Her practice brings together sustainability, culture, commerce and social impact.
Founder, Culture Lab
Filmmaker and visual storyteller known for his work in VR filmmaking and immersive media. He has co-founded Meraki and Chaarana Labs, creating films and VR experiences presented across international festivals and platforms.
Founder, Milimeter
Product, industrial and furniture designer with experience across Royal Enfield, Tynor Orthotics and Gulmohar Lane. A NIFT gold medallist from Jharkhand, he works at the intersection of contemporary craft, community and regional identity.
Founder, Its All Folk
Multidisciplinary designer and researcher building community-rooted systems that connect people, culture and nature. Through Its All Folk in Arunachal Pradesh, she works with traditional knowledge and indigenous livelihoods to explore environmentally and culturally sustainable futures.
Founders, Shoppism
Visual artists whose fine arts backgrounds inform Shoppism’s material practice. Their work combines printmaking, painting, photography, light and structural design to translate creative expression into functional forms for everyday life.
Founder, Crafted
Learning experience designer and researcher working at the intersection of play, culture and making. Her practice explores how traditional craft can become a site for learning, curiosity and meaningful engagement across ages and contexts.
SIGN IN WITH GOOGLE
