Nanditha Nair is an innovator and design researcher exploring the connections between textiles, digital fabrication, and bio-fabrication. As an Asian Cultural Council Independent Fellow, she is currently documenting the materials and methods in Okinawan weaving traditions of Japan. Her work integrates traditional craftsmanship with technology to address environmental challenges and support artisans.

Her projects include Pola, which transforms invasive water hyacinth into biomaterials, Weaving Futures, an open-source initiative empowering artisans, and the development of assistive devices for animals. A trained engineer who began her career as a writer and editor, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to design research across Asia.

She has contributed to preserving Jaipur woodblock printing through digital fabrication, collaborated on Project GAWA in Bhutan, and worked extensively to update tools and products with Indian handicraft traditions. Her entrepreneurial efforts earned her the Rajeev Circle Fellowship and grants to develop Pola at IAAC, Barcelona with Fabricademy. Recognized for innovation, she is also a Leaders in Innovation Fellow at the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK.

Projects

POLA

Pola is a regenerative design initiative that transforms invasive water hyacinth into sustainable biomaterials such as compressed board, cat litter, packaging paper, and alternative leather. The project has successfully developed fiber-based composite prototypes, with ongoing efforts to refine scalability. Partnering with Jawahar Centre Thalayolaparambu in India, Pola has already launched cat litter production. Future plans include exploring cellulose extraction for cleaning products and improving harvesting methods with specialized collecting and drying machines. Through open-source collaboration, Pola envisions decentralized production, fostering sustainable livelihoods and addressing environmental challenges in regions impacted by invasive aquatic plants.

WEAVING FUTURES

Weaving Futures is a project dedicated to revitalizing the handloom sector by integrating traditional weaving with modern technology. It has developed open-source, downloadable looms such as the Locket Loom, Frame Loom, Single Heddle Loom, and Table Loom, making weaving more accessible. The project preserves heritage motifs and tools like wood-block printing through CAD and digital fabrication. Currently, it is documenting handloom traditions in India, Japan, and Thailand. Future plans include expanding the digital archive, and fostering cross-cultural collaborations to ensure the survival and evolution of handloom weaving in the digital age. Collaborators include Ajilal V.C., Rajagopal Krishnan, and Mili Tharakan.

ASSISTING ANIMALS

Assisting Animals is a project focused on creating affordable, sustainable products for pet care, including cat litter made from sawdust, litter boxes, stimulating devices, and cat furniture. Currently, the project is developing front limb prosthetics for dogs, addressing the growing need for accessible solutions. In collaboration with Rico Kanthantham, the project is also building a network called Make for Animals, which aims to produce animal prosthetics using open-source, distributed design methods. Future plans include expanding the network to provide low-cost prosthetics and care solutions for animals worldwide.

About the approach

My design approach is rooted in sustainability, localization, and empowerment through open innovation. I focus on creating inclusive, systemic solutions. My approach is deeply inspired by M.K.Gandhi’s emphasis on self-reliance and Laurie Baker’s principles of cost-effective, resource-conscious methods. Learning about Distributed Design during FabAcademy reinforced my commitment to making production accessible, adaptable, and decentralized.

I apply these principles across my work—Pola transforms invasive water hyacinth into biomaterials, providing ecological and economic solutions, while Weaving Futures modernizes the handloom sector through open-source tools. I also work on developing affordable devices and prosthetics for animals through collaborative networks.

By blending material science with community-driven design, I aim to preserve cultural heritage while addressing pressing environmental challenges. My work documents and revitalizes traditional crafts across various countries, ensuring artisans benefit from technology while retaining cultural authenticity. I believe social entrepreneurship bridges research and real-world impact, enabling marginalized communities to thrive in a changing world. Through open, collaborative, and regenerative design, I strive to create scalable, sustainable solutions for a more equitable future.