Startup Originals Team
What if your curtains could play music or your wall art could respond to touch? That’s exactly the future Chhail Khalsa imagined, and built.
Through Anuvad Innovation Studio, she created a new category where fabric is no longer passive, it senses, responds, and interacts.
The Early Curiosity That Sparked Everything
Growing up in Ahmedabad, Chhail was always curious about how things worked. Instead of seeing textiles as just decoration, she saw them as a medium for storytelling and innovation.
She pursued textile design at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, where she began exploring the intersection of craft, science, and technology.
The Big Idea – Weaving Technology Into Fabric
While most people think of technology as screens and devices, Chhail asked a different question:
What if technology could be woven directly into fabric?
This led to the concept of e-textiles, where electronics are embedded inside handwoven materials. Her creations could:
- Respond to touch
- Sense movement and environment
- Play music or light up
- Create immersive experiences
Instead of attaching circuits later, she wove them into the fabric itself using conductive threads.
Starting Anuvad – Where Craft Meets Code
In 2019, she founded Anuvad Innovation Studio as a research driven venture that later evolved into a design tech brand.
The name “Anuvad” means “translation” – symbolizing her mission to:
- Translate traditional crafts into modern technology
- Translate technology into human, emotional experiences
Her studio works closely with artisan communities, integrating advanced tech into traditional handlooms – especially in regions like Kutch.
Challenges – When Innovation Didn’t Fit
One of her early projects involved heating textiles designed for European winters. But when she brought the idea back to India, it didn’t make sense in the local climate.
Instead of quitting, she pivoted. She reimagined her business model and focused on interactive, artistic, and experiential textiles.
That decision became a turning point.
Creating a New Industry
Today, Anuvad is not just a product company – it’s building a completely new category.
Its work includes:
- Interactive home décor
- Sensor based textile installations
- Smart fabrics for design and architecture
- R&D collaborations with global brands
Her creations have been showcased globally and even featured on platforms like Shark Tank India, bringing national attention to her idea.
Vision – From Studio to Global Brand
Chhail’s vision is bold. She doesn’t just want to run a design studio – she wants Anuvad to become a global name in smart textiles, similar to how Apple defines smart devices.
She is now expanding into:
- Med-tech textiles
- Sustainable heating solutions
- Global licensing and collaborations
Conclusion – Redefining What Fabric Can Do
Chhail Khalsa didn’t just start a company. She changed how we see fabric.
From something static and decorative to something alive, responsive, and intelligent – her journey proves that innovation doesn’t always mean creating something new.
