Shillong, May 31: Meghalaya is betting on bamboo to drive its startup and design economy, with the state set to launch a Bamboo Design Residency Programme that will embed top architects, engineers and designers from across India in local villages to co-create new bamboo products.
The plan was finalised at a two-day workshop with officials from the Meghalaya State Bamboo Mission (MSBM), PRIME Meghalaya, MegLife and SLECO Foundation. Four professionals will be invited to live and work with bamboo artisans and entrepreneurs, merging traditional craft with sustainable, market-ready design.
On day one, participants toured Ri Bhoi’s bamboo units — including Roka Cane and Bamboo Works Agarbatti Industry, PHIBA Bamboo Resort at Blaishiah and A Maiong Nursery in Umkon — alongside international bamboo expert Sanjeev Karpe and MSBM Mission Director Sachin Gavade.
Day two mapped out the residency model with talks focused on scaling bamboo entrepreneurship and community-led innovation.
According to a press release, the goal is to turn Meghalaya’s bamboo ecosystem into a hub for contemporary design, create new livelihoods and push bamboo beyond handicrafts into architecture, furniture and green products.
