Kerala CM Satheesan tries a virtual dress change at start-up event, breaks into laughter

Could physical trial rooms in clothing shops become a thing of the past? A Kerala start-up offered a glimpse of that possibility at Huddle Global 2026 in Kovalam, where it demonstrated technology that allows customers to try different outfits virtually.

The start-up even turned Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan into a virtual model during the event. The demonstration took place when the Chief Minister visited the exhibition stalls on Thursday.

CM becomes virtual model

Dressed in a white khadi shirt and mundu, Satheesan was invited by the start-up's team to stand in front of a screen to experience its technology.

The Chief Minister jokingly remarked that he knew the entrepreneurs were planning something mischievous and agreed to see what they had in store.

Moments later, the screen displayed his image wearing a T-shirt featuring his caricature and a playful description. The transformation left Satheesan amused, and he burst into laughter.

The start-up has developed technology that allows customers to see how different clothes would look on them without physically trying them on.

Reducing work for shop staff

Explaining the idea behind the innovation, its founder, A.S. Janukrishna, said the technology aims to give customers more choices while making shopping easier.

It could also reduce the workload of shop employees, who otherwise have to collect clothes tried on by customers, fold them and place them back on shelves.

The demonstration was among the innovations showcased at the eighth edition of Huddle Global 2026, organised by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM).

Government plans start-up to scale-up shift

Inaugurating the three-day event, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the government's focus would shift from building more start-ups to helping existing ventures grow into successful businesses.

He said Keralam's start-up ecosystem had expanded to 9,200 ventures, providing employment to more than 76,000 people.

The government plans to establish a consortium involving State agencies and investment banks to improve funding support for start-ups.