Dharpan.ai’s 6-Foot smart mirrors are changing how India shops in 2025

Dharpan.ai’s smart mirrors are changing how India shops, blending cutting-edge technology with the joy of fashion retail. Imagine walking into a store, standing in front of a sleek 6-foot mirror, and trying on dozens of outfits in seconds—no cramped trial rooms, no hassle. This Hyderabad-based startup, founded in 2022 by Naveen Kumar, is redefining the shopping experience with its AI-powered smart mirrors and virtual trial rooms. At Startup INIDAX, we’re excited to dive into how Dharpan.ai is transforming fashion retail in India and beyond, offering immersive, instant try-on experiences both in-store and online. This article explores the technology, impact, and future of Dharpan.ai’s smart mirrors, showcasing why they’re a game-changer for shoppers and retailers alike.

What Are Smart Mirrors, and Why Are They a Game-Changer?

Smart mirrors are no ordinary reflective surfaces. These high-tech devices, like the ones developed by Dharpan.ai, combine augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and real-time inventory tracking to create a seamless shopping experience. Unlike traditional mirrors, smart mirrors let customers virtually try on clothes, switch colors, and check sizes without physically changing. According to a 2023 report, the global smart mirror market grew from $2.82 billion in 2022 to $3.28 billion in 2023, with projections to hit $5.58 billion by 2027, driven by innovations like Dharpan.ai’s.

For Indian shoppers, this means no more waiting for trial rooms or dealing with size mismatches. Smart mirrors are changing how India shops by making the process faster, more engaging, and personalized. Retailers benefit too—fewer returns, better inventory management, and happier customers. At Startup INIDAX, we see this as a perfect blend of technology and convenience, addressing pain points that have plagued fashion retail for years.

Dharpan.ai’s Journey: From Boldknight to Fashion Tech Pioneer

The story of Dharpan.ai begins with its founder, Naveen Kumar, a second-time entrepreneur who knows the fashion retail game inside out. In 2021, Kumar launched Boldknight, a menswear brand with stores in Mumbai and Hyderabad. While Boldknight gained traction, Kumar faced common retail challenges: slow trial room turnover, customer indecision, and inventory mismatches. These pain points inspired him to pivot to technology, founding Dharpan.ai in 2022 to tackle these issues head-on.

Based at IIM Kozhikode and AIC Nalanda, Dharpan.ai is a B2B fashion tech startup that builds its hardware and software in-house. Unlike many competitors relying on third-party AI, Dharpan.ai’s proprietary algorithms power its smart mirrors, ensuring quality and control. This dedication to innovation has earned them a valuation of Rs 65 crore, despite being bootstrapped with just Rs 25 lakh in government grants. Kumar’s journey from retailer to tech innovator showcases the kind of expertise and vision that Startup INIDAX celebrates in India’s startup ecosystem.

How Dharpan.ai’s Smart Mirrors Work: The Tech Behind the Magic

At the heart of Dharpan.ai’s smart mirrors is a custom-built algorithm that scans and renders garments in just 2.5 seconds. Picture this: you stand in front of a 6-foot smart mirror placed near a store’s entrance, select an outfit on the touchscreen, and see it superimposed on your reflection. You can switch colors, sizes, or styles with a tap, all while the mirror tracks real-time inventory to ensure what you see is available.

For online shoppers, Dharpan.ai offers a virtual trial room solution. Customers upload a photo or use a preset avatar to try on clothes digitally, receiving notifications when new stock arrives. “It’s like a virtual fitting room in your pocket,” says Kumar. This seamless integration of AR and AI reduces decision fatigue and makes shopping fun. At Startup INIDAX, we’re impressed by how Dharpan.ai combines hardware (sleek mirrors) and software (intuitive apps) to create a truly phygital—physical plus digital—experience.

The Impact: How Smart Mirrors Are Changing How India Shops

Smart mirrors are changing how India shops by addressing key pain points. For customers, the instant try-on feature eliminates the hassle of physical trial rooms, which is a game-changer in India’s bustling retail scene. A 2023 study found that 60% of shoppers abandon purchases due to long trial room waits or size issues—Dharpan.ai solves this with its 2.5-second try-on and real-time sizing recommendations.

Retailers see tangible benefits too. Dharpan.ai’s smart mirrors reduce returns by letting customers make confident choices. They also double as live stock-trackers, ensuring stores never oversell unavailable items. Since launching in 2023 with brands like Monte Carlo and My Perfect Fit, Dharpan.ai has grown to serve 17 clients across India, Australia, and Singapore. This rapid adoption proves that smart mirrors are changing how India shops, and Startup INIDAX sees this as a sign of India’s growing appetite for tech-driven retail solutions.

Global Reach: Dharpan.ai’s Expansion Beyond India

Dharpan.ai’s vision goes beyond India’s borders. In 2023, the startup partnered with Glam You Up, a regional marketing firm, to introduce its smart mirrors to European brands like Nunalie, Tombolini, and Roberta Biagi. Seven European retailers are piloting the mirrors, with some willing to pay €1,500 per month for the technology. This global interest highlights the universal appeal of smart mirrors in transforming retail.

With a lean team of seven, including two dedicated engineers, Dharpan.ai is proving that Indian startups can compete on the world stage. Their focus on in-house technology gives them an edge in a competitive market, where giants like Amazon and Sephora are also experimenting with smart mirrors. At Startup INIDAX, we’re thrilled to see an Indian company like Dharpan.ai leading the charge in global fashion tech.

The SaaS Shift: Making Smart Mirrors Accessible to All

Initially, Dharpan.ai sold its smart mirrors for Rs 5 lakh each, with a 5% annual maintenance fee. While effective for large retailers, this model was a barrier for smaller stores. In response, Dharpan.ai pivoted to a SaaS model in 2024, offering subscriptions at Rs 25,000 per month per store (up to 500 product uploads) or Rs 35,000 for multi-store deployments. This shift has made smart mirrors accessible to standalone boutiques and mid-sized retailers, democratizing access to cutting-edge technology.

“The SaaS model is a game-changer,” Kumar says. “Retailers can test, adapt, and scale without heavy upfront costs.” This flexibility is key in India, where small and medium-sized retailers dominate the market. By lowering the entry barrier, Dharpan.ai ensures that smart mirrors are changing how India shops across all retail segments.

Why Dharpan.ai Stands Out in the Fashion Tech Space

In a crowded field of smart mirror providers, Dharpan.ai shines for several reasons. First, their proprietary algorithm sets them apart from competitors relying on third-party AI. This control ensures consistent performance and protects their intellectual property. Second, their focus on both in-store and online experiences creates a truly phygital retail model, aligning with the growing trend of omnichannel shopping.

Moreover, Dharpan.ai’s customer-centric approach—offering personalized sizing recommendations and new stock alerts—enhances engagement and loyalty. Their mirrors also act as brand ambassadors, displaying ads and promotions during downtime, adding value for retailers. At Startup INIDAX, we believe Dharpan.ai’s blend of innovation and practicality makes it a leader in India’s fashion tech revolution.

The Future of Shopping with Dharpan.ai’s Smart Mirrors

Looking ahead, Dharpan.ai aims to create the world’s first phygital store, seamlessly blending physical and digital shopping. Imagine a store where smart mirrors not only let you try on clothes but also suggest outfits based on your past purchases, powered by AI-driven analytics. With India’s retail market projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2027, smart mirrors are changing how India shops by paving the way for smarter, more sustainable retail.

Dharpan.ai is also exploring integrations with metaverse platforms, allowing customers to try on clothes in virtual worlds. This forward-thinking approach positions them at the forefront of retail innovation. As Kumar puts it, “We’re not just transforming shopping; we’re revolutionizing the entire experience.” Startup INIDAX sees this as a glimpse into the future of fashion retail, where technology and personalization reign supreme.

Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Retail

Dharpan.ai’s 6-foot smart mirrors are revolutionizing how India shops in 2025, bringing speed, convenience, and personalization to fashion retail. By addressing pain points like trial room delays and size mismatches, Dharpan.ai is making shopping delightful for customers and profitable for retailers. Their global expansion and innovative SaaS model show that Indian startups can lead the world in tech-driven solutions. At Startup INIDAX, we’re excited to watch Dharpan.ai shape the future of retail, one smart mirror at a time. Whether you’re a shopper tired of trial room hassles or a retailer looking to boost sales, Dharpan.ai’s smart mirrors are the answer.