DBT D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge

Empowering Indian youth to solve critical national issues through bio-based innovations, offering ₹1 lakh prize money per cycle and a grant opportunity for implementation.

The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge, spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, is a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering innovation among Indian youth. This program is designed to identify and nurture transformative ideas in biotechnology that address critical national issues, contributing to the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' through BioE3 – Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment. The challenge emphasizes the development of safe-by-default biological innovations across six pivotal themes: Bio-based Chemicals & Enzymes, Functional Foods & Smart Proteins, Precision Biotherapeutics, Climate Resilient Agriculture, Carbon Capture & Utilization, and Futuristic Marine & Space Research. Through a series of monthly challenge cycles, the program seeks to catalyze youth-driven change, provide national visibility and recognition for innovative solutions, and enhance essential skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and design thinking. It offers a structured pathway from initial ideation to potential implementation, connecting participants with a network of leading scientists, innovators, mentors, and policymakers. This final cycle of the challenge is a culmination of efforts to empower the next generation of innovators to tackle complex challenges with sustainable and impactful biotechnology solutions.