Vahan.ai, a leading AI-driven recruitment platform for India’s blue-collar workforce, has begun deploying funds from its recent strategic investment round to broaden its footprint in the country’s fast-expanding manufacturing ecosystem. The company is initially concentrating on the textile and electronics industries and is actively sourcing workers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand for manufacturing clusters in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This move supports India’s goal of building a skilled and future-ready industrial labour force.
This expansion aligns with national priorities under the Viksit Bharat@2047 framework, where manufacturing is projected to grow from 17% of the economy to more than 25% of GDP—representing an addition of approximately USD 320 billion in gross value.
Textiles and electronics are expected to play a major role in this transformation. The textile sector currently contributes 2.3% to the nation’s GDP and 13% of industrial output, with anticipated annual growth of 15–20% in the coming years.
Electronics manufacturing, which has generated 25 lakh jobs within the last decade, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 27% between FY23 and FY28. With global companies reducing dependence on China through the China Plus One strategy, India is becoming a preferred alternative manufacturing hub. This shift is already visible—over 70% of iPhones sold in the U.S. are now assembled in India, signaling the country’s rising role in global supply chains.
Vahan.ai has already begun partnering with major textile and electronics manufacturers across southern India to support large-scale workforce requirements. Industry assessments indicate that India’s manufacturing output could touch USD 1 trillion by FY26, propelled by improved logistics, favourable policies and increasing foreign investment.
With this entry into manufacturing, Vahan.ai is scaling its AI-enabled hiring infrastructure beyond sectors such as delivery, warehousing, mobility and quick-commerce—where it has already facilitated more than 1 million job placements across 920+ cities. The company’s expansion is backed by investments from Lemmatree (a Temasek entity), Persol Group and Khosla Ventures, enabling deeper technology development and sector diversification. The platform now intends to accelerate hiring for industries including apparel, electronics assembly, component manufacturing and precision engineering, reducing hiring timelines and improving workforce availability for employers.
Speaking about the development, Madhav Krishna, Founder and CEO of Vahan.ai, said “India’s manufacturing story is ultimately a people story. As the country works toward increasing manufacturing contribution to 25% of GDP, there is a historic opportunity to bring millions—especially women—into meaningful formal employment. Our goal is to build India’s most reliable employment gateway, where technology erases boundaries of geography, language and access. By helping workers move from states like UP, Bihar and Jharkhand to high-growth industrial clusters, we are not just filling vacancies—we are enabling mobility, dignity and long-term career pathways.”
Vahan.ai’s entry comes at a time when employers are increasingly turning to automation and digital hiring models to manage scale. The company’s AI platform has already helped organisations save thousands of recruiter hours by simplifying sourcing, screening, interviews and onboarding. As textile and electronics manufacturing expand rapidly, Vahan.ai aims to become India’s largest digital workforce engine supporting government priorities and enabling stable livelihood opportunities.
Workers placed through Vahan.ai are already experiencing tangible benefits. Ragini*, who recently relocated from rural Uttar Pradesh for her first formal job, shared “This is my first job after completing my studies. I’m able to support my family and save every month. The work environment is encouraging, and I hope to grow here.” Similarly, Khushi Kumari from Dhanbad added “My family is proud that I’m earning and contributing back home. The accommodation and food facilities make it easier to focus on work.”
Vahan.ai is one of India’s leading AI-powered hiring platforms for blue-collar talent across delivery, grocery, logistics and quick-commerce sectors. The company has established itself as a market leader in high-volume recruitment and was recognised as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum in 2022.
