Visakhapatnam, November 13, 2026: Actor and entrepreneur Manchu Manoj is looking to bring artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics into India’s traditional toy manufacturing sector, as his startup Namasthe World explores ways to combine technology, creativity and indigenous craftsmanship to take Indian toys to global markets.
The Hyderabad based storytelling and toy startup, co founded by Manchu Manoj and Bhuma Mounika Manchu, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to establish sustainable apparel, handloom and toy manufacturing centres in Kurnool and Visakhapatnam, with a proposed investment of ₹36.24 crore.
Manchu Manoj Backs Sustainable Handloom, Toy Manufacturing
The agreement, signed at the 31st CII Partnership Summit on Thursday, aims to create an integrated manufacturing ecosystem that connects traditional handloom production with toy making. The project is expected to generate around 950 direct jobs and another 100 indirect employment opportunities across supply chains, logistics and ancillary services.
A key aspect of the company’s vision is to explore how emerging technologies can support traditional crafts, particularly the indigenous Etikoppaka and Kondapalli toy industries.
“We are also reaching out to leading technology companies to bring AI and robotics into Etikoppaka and Kondapalli toys,” Manchu Manoj, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Namasthe World, said.
Manoj believes the creative industries can play a much larger role in economic development by connecting cultural heritage with modern business opportunities.
“Cinema and entertainment have always had the power to influence culture, connect communities and create aspirations. I believe the creative industries can go much beyond storytelling and become powerful engines of economic opportunity. Through Namasthe World, we want to explore how creativity, technology and entertainment can support traditional industries, create new livelihoods, take India’s cultural strengths to a global audience and make ‘Made in Andhra Pradesh’ a global identity,” he said.
The company’s technology ambitions come at a time when traditional Indian toy manufacturing is increasingly looking for ways to connect with contemporary design, production capabilities and wider consumer markets.
While Manoj has not disclosed specific details about the proposed AI and robotics applications, the company’s broader objective is to explore how technology can help preserve indigenous craftsmanship while creating opportunities for innovation and commercial expansion.
Actor Manchu Manoj Founded Namasthe World Embarks on A zero waste approach to manufacturing
Beyond technology, the proposed ₹36.24 crore project is built around a sustainable manufacturing model that seeks to minimise material waste.
Under the plan, handloom fabric produced at the facilities will be used to manufacture apparel, while surplus textile material will be repurposed into dolls and soft toys. This approach is intended to connect two traditional industries through a shared production ecosystem.
The proposed facilities in Kurnool and Visakhapatnam are expected to create new opportunities for artisans and strengthen local manufacturing capabilities.
Bhuma Mounika Manchu, Founder and CEO of Namasthe World, said the partnership would help translate India’s traditional craftsmanship into contemporary businesses with wider market potential.
“Our vision with Namasthe World is to turn India’s incredible cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship into contemporary, globally relevant businesses. Having grown up in a political family, I have seen how governance, public institutions and community engagement play a critical role in translating vision into action. This partnership is a significant step towards empowering artisans, creating sustainable manufacturing opportunities and taking Andhra Pradesh’s handlooms, textiles and toys to the world,” she said.
She also noted that the company already has a retail partnership with Reliance Brands and is now working with the Andhra Pradesh government to expand its manufacturing ambitions.
The initiative received attention at the CII Partnership Summit, where Namasthe World presented its toy collection to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who also launched the company’s calendar.
Goyal appreciated the company’s approach of presenting Indian cultural heritage through storytelling and traditional toys, noting that indigenous products have the potential to represent India’s identity in international markets.
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu also highlighted the importance of creating stronger platforms and wider market access for artisans.
Andhra Pradesh Industries and Commerce Minister T.G. Bharat said the state was keen to attract investments that strengthen traditional industries, generate employment and support sustainable manufacturing.
The Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board CEO, Sagili Shan Mohan, IAS, said the proposed initiative could create opportunities for local artisans, entrepreneurs and the state’s manufacturing ecosystem.
The latest manufacturing agreement builds on Namasthe World’s earlier partnership with the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board, signed on October 26, 2026, in Tirupati.
The three year agreement focuses on promoting the state’s tourism and cultural heritage through storytelling initiatives around Etikoppaka and Kondapalli toys. It includes plans to develop original characters, short films and QR linked experiences to introduce these traditional crafts to wider audiences.
Since its inception, Namasthe World has developed more than 55 original plush designs and sold over 43,000 BIS certified toys. The company has established a presence across India and attracted interest from the Indian diaspora overseas.
With its latest investment proposal and technology ambitions, Namasthe World is looking to build a business that goes beyond selling toys. By combining storytelling, indigenous craftsmanship, sustainable manufacturing and emerging technologies, the startup wants to create new commercial opportunities for traditional Indian industries.
Whether AI and robotics can be successfully integrated into established craft practices remains to be seen. However, the company’s proposed approach signals an effort to bring traditional toy making into a more technology driven manufacturing environment without losing its cultural roots.