We spoke to Chandralika in June 2025 to explore her journey, the groundbreaking work of Bigthinx, and her views on the role of STEM in reshaping the fashion industry and beyond.
In a rapidly digitizing world, fashion and technology are no longer separate spheres, and few embody this convergence as powerfully as Chandralika Hazarika, the co-founder of the award-winning fashion tech company Bigthinx.
About Chandralika
Chandralika Hazarika brings both business sense and emotional intelligence to her role at Bigthinx. Recognised as one of Google’s “Women in AI 2024” and winner of Accenture’s “Women in Tech” 2021 award, she is not only a pioneer in digital fashion, but also an advocate for equality, empathy, and global impact.
Her journey from architecture to fashion to AI is a testament to what’s possible when creativity meets technology and by matching her vision to actual action.
Sustainability by Design
Sustainability is a core driver behind Bigthinx’s innovations. Chandralika believes that fashion’s traditional model, which relies on mass production and high returns, is no longer sustainable. Instead, Bigthinx offers a radical alternative.
Their 3D AI technology helps reduce returns by improving fit accuracy through virtual try-ons, and cuts down on waste by replacing physical samples with digital prototypes. It also enables on-demand production and more localised manufacturing, which significantly shrinks fashion’s environmental footprint.
“Bigthinx 3DAI helps the fashion industry transition from a mass-production mindset to a data-driven, efficient, and eco-conscious model.” she explains.
Beyond production, Bigthinx is also reshaping consumer behaviour, using immersive technologies to help shoppers make more intentional choices, not just faster ones.
From Fashion to Classrooms
Bigthinx’s work isn’t confined to fashion. Its AI and 3D modeling tools could also be used in gaming, entertainment, and education with promising possibilities.
“Using real-time 3D visualization and AI, we could create virtual classrooms or simulations where students interact with lifelike scenarios ideal for fields like science, engineering, medicine, or even history. ” Chandralika says. “Just as we personalize fashion experiences, we could apply the same AI to tailor educational content to individual learning styles, helping students absorb and retain information more effectively.”
Whether it’s gamifying education, building virtual labs, or creating AI mentors, Chandralika sees massive potential for Bigthinx’s technology to change how we teach and learn in the digital age.
The Role of STEM in Fashion’s Future
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is already revolutionising fashion, and Chandralika believes it is crucial to acknowledge its role in climate change. From predictive algorithms that prevent overproduction to blockchain that ensures traceability, the tools of the future are already here.
“STEM is not just enhancing fashion, it’s making it possible for the industry to evolve in a way that aligns with both innovation and environmental responsibility.”
Her team at Bigthinx is a living example of this evolution. They are pushing boundaries not just in design, but in how we think about the lifecycle of clothing and the empowerment of consumers.
A Message to the Next Generation
For young girls considering STEM, Chandralika offers an inspiring message:
“Never underestimate the power of your ideas. STEM isn’t just about equations or code, it’s about solving real-world problems, improving lives, and shaping the future. Whether it’s designing tech for sustainability, revolutionizing healthcare, or creating smart fashion, there’s a place for you. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see enough women in the room. Instead be proud to be one of the first, and know that you’re opening the door for many more to follow. Just stay curious, stay confident, and keep building. Your voice matters. Your perspective is needed. And the world of STEM is better with you in it. ”
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