AI Smart Bin
An affordable AI- and IoT-enabled smart dustbin that automatically segregates waste at the source using computer vision, improving recycling efficiency.
Andhra Pradesh
Design for Bharat (DfB) is a national youth design initiative under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue (VBYLD) 2027, led by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.
Open to youth aged 18–29 years, the initiative encourages young minds to develop innovative, inclusive and implementable solutions rooted in India’s diverse realities and aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The 2027 edition features two challenges: Design for Bharat: Open Challenge, focused on tangible product design solutions, and Design for Bharat: Graduation Project Challenge, providing a national platform for exceptional product design thesis projects.
Through mentoring, expert evaluation and national showcasing, Design for Bharat empowers young designers to turn ideas into impact and become active contributors to building a stronger, more inclusive and future-ready India.
A product design challenge for tangible solution addressing real world challenges across seven categories.
Explore Challenge 1A competition to recognize outstanding design thesis/ graduation projects developed by recent design graduates.
Explore Challenge 2The true measure of a nation's advancement lies in the dignity, happiness, and prosperity of its people. As India advances toward the centenary of independence, the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 calls for a developed, self-reliant, inclusive and globally respected nation.
This national mission is grounded in Transforming lives, building a stronger India (बदलते जीवन, बढ़ता भारत). Guided by the collective power of youth, the competition seeks to translate technological progress and economic growth into practical, life-improving change for citizens and communities.
Participants can select one of the following seven categories to design a tangible product, system or solution that directly improves citizens' lives:
Celebrating ideas that designed for real Bharat
The inaugural edition of Design for Bharat brought together young designers from across India to develop tangible solutions addressing real-world challenges. From 3,482 registrations and 429 submissions, 29 national finalist teams were selected to showcase their work at the national level.
Explore the 2026 Showcase
View all ProjectsThe true reward of Design for Bharat lies in the impact your ideas can create. This competition is not only about presenting a concept, it is about using design as a tool to bring meaningful change in the lives of people and communities. By addressing real challenges drawn from India’s social, cultural, and economic fabric, participants have the chance to show how design can inspire solutions that matter.
Winners will gain national visibility and recognition, with their projects showcased before leaders, experts and peers from across the country. Beyond awards, the competition offers mentorship to help refine ideas and transform them into stronger, more actionable proposals. This journey provides young innovators the edge to grow their skills, strengthen their voice, and position themselves as changemakers in India’s path to Viksit Bharat 2047.
Your design could be the one that makes the difference.
The true measure of a nation's advancement lies in the dignity, happiness, and prosperity of its people. As India advances toward the centenary of independence, the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 calls for a developed, self-reliant, inclusive and globally respected nation.
This national mission is grounded in Transforming lives, building a stronger India (बदलते जीवन, बढ़ता भारत). Guided by the collective power of youth, the competition seeks to translate technological progress and economic growth into practical, life-improving change for citizens and communities.
Participants can select one of the following seven categories to design a tangible product, system or solution that directly improves citizens' lives:
A product design challenge for tangible solution addressing real world challenges across seven categories.
Explore Challenge 1A competition to recognize outstanding design thesis/ graduation projects developed by recent design graduates.
Explore Challenge 2Celebrating ideas that designed for real Bharat
Design for Bharat returns in 2027 as a national platform for young minds (ages 18–29), led by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue (VBYLD).
Building on the success of the 2026 edition — 3,482 registrations and 429 submissions — the Open Challenge invites youth to develop tangible product design solutions that address real-world challenges across seven categories.
Through expert mentoring and evaluation, participants will refine their ideas into implementable solutions and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Explore. Innovate. Design for Bharat.
Register Now for further details.
Eligibility:
Challenge 1: DfB Open Challenge
Open to Indian citizens aged 18–29 years, enrolled in a college/ university/ recognised academic institution at the time of application. Participation can be individual or in teams of a maximum of three members, subject to criteria detailed in the competition docket.
Design for Bharat Open Challenge is a three-stage competition. If you are eligible, register by clicking on Participate Now on the Design for Bharat page of the My Bharat Portal.
Stage 1: Compete
From your state, for the nation
Stage 2: Mentorship by Design experts
Strengthen your idea with guidance
Stage 3: National Felicitation & Showcase
Lead your way to Viksit Bharat 2047
Challenge 1 — Design for Bharat: Open Challenge
All entries must be submitted in digital format through the official competition portal. Providing high quality digital material is mandatory, as it enables the jury to fully understand the concept, function, and potential of your design. A design proposal including a brief concept note (max 500 words) and supporting visuals (sketches, diagrams, or prototypes) is required for submission. The details of your submission are as follows:
Submission Requirements
Technical Specifications
Digital submission through the official competition portal
Maximum of 7 posters
Format: JPG
Resolution: 300 DPI
Maximum file size: 20 MB per poster
Declaration Participants must provide a declaration confirming originality of the work and consent for display in exhibitions/publications related to the competition.
The true reward of Design for Bharat lies in the impact your ideas can create. This competition is not only about presenting a concept, it is about using design as a tool to bring meaningful change in the lives of people and communities. By addressing real challenges drawn from India’s social, cultural, and economic fabric, participants have the chance to show how design can inspire solutions that matter.
Winners will gain national visibility and recognition, with their projects showcased before leaders, experts and peers from across the country. Beyond awards, the competition offers mentorship to help refine ideas and transform them into stronger, more actionable proposals. This journey provides young innovators the edge to grow their skills, strengthen their voice, and position themselves as changemakers in India’s path to Viksit Bharat 2047.
Your design could be the one that makes the difference.
Celebrating ideas that designed for real Bharat
The National Thesis Showcase is a platform for young product designers (aged 18–29) to present outstanding academic work, celebrating creativity and connecting research with real-world challenges.
It recognizes exceptional design thesis and graduation projects developed by recent design graduates, highlighting the journey from research to a finished, people-centred design.
The showcase offers national visibility, expert feedback and an opportunity to demonstrate how academic design can contribute to a stronger, more inclusive Bharat.
Register Now for further details.
Eligibility:
Open to Indian citizens aged 18–29 years who have completed a bachelor's or master's degree in design or a closely related design discipline from a recognised institution in the academic session 2025 or 2026. Participation is subject to criteria detailed in the competition docket.
The submitted project must be an academic thesis or graduation project completed during the academic year 2025 or 2026.
Individual thesis projects are eligible, subject to institutional certification.
If you are eligible, register by clicking on Participate Now on the Design for Bharat page of the My Bharat Portal.
Stage 1: Submission & Evaluation
Stage 2: National Selection & Mentoring
Stage 3: National Jury, Felicitation & Showcase
Challenge 2 — Design for Bharat: Graduation Projects Challenge
A graduation or thesis project is developed within an academic institution through the student's work, the guidance of appointed supervisors, and the use of institutional learning, facilities and review systems. Every entry must therefore identify and acknowledge the student designer, institution, department/ programme and guide(s)/ supervisor(s). The project must never be presented as work developed independently of its academic context. All entries must be submitted in digital format through the official competition portal. Providing high-quality digital material is mandatory, as it enables the jury to fully understand the concept, function, and potential of your design. The details of your submission are as follows:
Submission details
Portfolio in PDF format.
Key Poster
A single concise visual summary for screening and display in an A3 portrait poster, minimum 1920 x 1080 px, maximum 10 MB, 300 dpi, with project title.
Presentations
Submission Guidance
Declaration Participants must provide a declaration confirming the originality of the work and consent for display in exhibitions/publications related to the competition.
The true reward of Design for Bharat lies in the impact your ideas can create. This competition is not only about presenting a concept, it is about using design as a tool to bring meaningful change in the lives of people and communities. By addressing real challenges drawn from India’s social, cultural, and economic fabric, participants have the chance to show how design can inspire solutions that matter.
Winners will gain national visibility and recognition, with their projects showcased before leaders, experts and peers from across the country. Beyond awards, the competition offers mentorship to help refine ideas and transform them into stronger, more actionable proposals. This journey provides young innovators the edge to grow their skills, strengthen their voice, and position themselves as changemakers in India’s path to Viksit Bharat 2047.
Your design could be the one that makes the difference.
Celebrating ideas that designed for real Bharat
The inaugural edition of Design for Bharat brought together young designers from across India to develop tangible solutions addressing real-world challenges. From 3,482 registrations and 429 submissions, 29 national finalist teams were selected to showcase their work at the national level.
Explore the 2026 Showcase
View all ProjectsCelebrating ideas that designed for real Bharat
The inaugural edition of Design for Bharat brought together young designers from across India to develop tangible solutions addressing real-world challenges. From 3,482 registrations and 429 submissions, 29 national finalist teams were selected to showcase their work at the national level.
An affordable AI- and IoT-enabled smart dustbin that automatically segregates waste at the source using computer vision, improving recycling efficiency.
Andhra PradeshA Computer Vision-Powered Self-Driving Vehicle Prototype Using Raspberry Pi for Real-Time Lane Detection and Object Detection.
Arunachal PradeshAn AI-powered agricultural rover that detects crop diseases and performs precise pesticide spraying, making farming safer, more sustainable, and technology-driven for India’s future.
AssamA design concept that combines traditional village architecture with modern, eco-friendly technology to create comfortable, sustainable buildings that retain their cultural identity.
BiharA low-cost, two-pad urine test strip that enables quick, on-the-spot screening for early kidney disease without the need for labs.
ChhattisgarhA plastic brick production machine that converts mixed, non-recyclable plastic waste into strong, durable Eco-bricks for construction and furniture.
GoaTransforms discarded automobile glass into 100% recycled, low-carbon architectural tiles, turning landfill waste into sustainable and design-driven building materials.
GujaratA compact, portable thermoelectric cooling device that safely stores insulin and other temperature-sensitive medicines on the go.
HaryanaA low-cost, electricity-free labelling device that empowers visually impaired users to independently mark medicines and personal items using Braille.
HaryanaAn inclusive learning initiative where rural mothers and children study together.
Himachal PradeshA compact, low-power hydroponic farming system that uses renewable electricity and IoT-based smart irrigation.
KarnatakaA low-cost wearable device that protects elderly and rural users from digital payment fraud using simple touch alerts and a physical approval switch, enabling safe and confident transactions.
KeralaAn eco-friendly line of bamboo beach toys that replaces plastic with biodegradable, artisan-made alternatives, reducing coastal pollution while promoting responsible play.
Madhya PradeshA customizable scooter design that uses additive manufacturing to adjust key ergonomic components, making scooters comfortable and accessible for riders with extreme body sizes.
MaharashtraA low-cost smart Braille smartwatch that enables visually impaired users to access digital information privately through touch, making assistive technology affordable and widely accessible.
MeghalayaBraille reading system that converts digital textbooks and PDFs into real-time refreshable Braille, enabling visually impaired students to access the same learning material as others.
OdishaAn interactive, puzzle-based learning tool that makes Braille literacy engaging, affordable, and inclusive for visually impaired children.
Tamil NaduA bladeless fan that uses silent ionic wind technology to deliver safe, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance air circulation without rotating blades.
TripuraA lightweight, manually operated mini cultivator that makes soil loosening, weeding, and compost mixing easy for small kitchen gardens, promoting healthy and sustainable home food growing.
UttarakhandA smart wearable vest for military dogs that monitors health, stress, and behavior in real time to improve communication, training.
Uttar PradeshA real-time haptic board that converts live table tennis rallies into precise tactile taps, allowing visually impaired users to feel the speed, direction, and rhythm of the game.
West BengalAn automatic gas regulator that uses sensors to detect dangerous gas and temperature levels and instantly shut off the supply, preventing accidents and ensuring safer indoor heating.
Jammu & KashmirConverts sugarcane waste from juice stalls into biodegradable plant pots using a simple, low-energy system, creating a circular, community-led alternative to plastic.
DelhiInSink integrates smart sink technology with aerobic composting to transform organic waste into compost, empowering kitchens to become the first step in a resilient, circular waste ecosystem.
DelhiA sustainable packaging solution, from agricultural waste that replaces plastic packaging.
DelhiAn AI-powered agricultural rover that detects crop diseases and performs precise pesticide spraying, making farming safer, more sustainable, and technology-driven for India’s future.
AssamA bladeless fan that uses silent ionic wind technology to deliver safe, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance air circulation without rotating blades.
TripuraTransforms discarded automobile glass into 100% recycled, low-carbon architectural tiles, turning landfill waste into sustainable and design-driven building materials.
GujaratConverts sugarcane waste from juice stalls into biodegradable plant pots using a simple, low-energy system, creating a circular, community-led alternative to plastic.
DelhiA customizable scooter design that uses additive manufacturing to adjust key ergonomic components, making scooters comfortable and accessible for riders with extreme body sizes.
MaharashtraThe true reward of Design for Bharat lies in the impact your ideas can create. This competition is not only about presenting a concept, it is about using design as a tool to bring meaningful change in the lives of people and communities. By addressing real challenges drawn from India’s social, cultural, and economic fabric, participants have the chance to show how design can inspire solutions that matter.
Winners will gain national visibility and recognition, with their projects showcased before leaders, experts and peers from across the country. Beyond awards, the competition offers mentorship to help refine ideas and transform them into stronger, more actionable proposals. This journey provides young innovators the edge to grow their skills, strengthen their voice, and position themselves as changemakers in India’s path to Viksit Bharat 2047.
Your design could be the one that makes the difference.
Design for Bharat (DFB) is a national youth design and innovation initiative under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue (VBYLD) 2027, an initiative of the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.
The initiative aims to encourage young people to develop innovative, practical, inclusive, and implementable design solutions that address India’s contemporary challenges and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Design for Bharat 2027 will have two distinct challenges:
Participants should carefully review the eligibility and submission requirements of both tracks before registering.
The Design for Bharat Track is the core national design competition, inviting young participants to develop innovative, user-centred, practical and implementable solutions addressing identified challenges relevant to India.
Solutions may include product, system, service, technology-enabled, or other design interventions, depending on the announced categories.
Projects may include, but are not limited to:
The final categories and thematic areas will be specified in the Competition Kit.
Challenge 1 focuses on physical, tangible, and implementable product-based design solutions that address the identified themes and challenges.
Standalone digital products, software applications, websites, or purely UI/UX-based solutions are not eligible under the Design for Bharat; they can be submitted under the Hack for Social Cause track.
However, a physical product may be supported or enhanced by a digital component such as a mobile application, dashboard, sensor interface, software, or other digital system. In such cases, the physical product must remain the primary design intervention, with the digital component functioning as a supporting or enabling element.
The Graduation Projects Challenge primarily focuses on Product Design thesis/graduation projects.
Projects from closely related disciplines may be considered where they demonstrate a strong product-design component, subject to the eligibility criteria.
Yes. A project may have been exhibited or evaluated by the participant’s institution.
However, participants must disclose relevant information regarding previous awards, exhibitions, publications, or commercialisation, wherever required.
Participants may modify their submission until the official submission deadline, wherever the portal permits.
Once the submission window closes, modifications will generally not be permitted.
Entries will be evaluated against criteria such as:
The detailed evaluation framework will be provided separately.
Evaluation may involve State-level and National-level juries comprising experts from:
The Design for Bharat Track will broadly follow:
Registration → Submission → State-Level Evaluation → State-Level Exhibition/Presentation → National Selection → National Mentoring → National Showcase & Evaluation
The exact stages and timelines will be communicated through the official Competition Kit.
Yes. Nationally shortlisted participants will receive structured mentoring support to help refine their:
The National Showcase is the culminating exhibition of selected projects from the two tracks, providing participants with an opportunity to present their work at the national level.
The showcase may include:
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Please select one of the core tracks below to begin your registration.
A product design challenge for tangible solution addressing real world challenges across seven categories.
REGISTER NOW →A competition to recognize outstanding design thesis/ graduation projects developed by recent design graduates.
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