India Launches D.E.S.I.G.N. to BioE3 Challenge for School Students
The D.E.S.I.G.N. to BioE3 Challenge represents a groundbreaking national initiative under the BioE3 (Biotechnology to Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy. This program is specifically designed to engage school students across India, inviting them to propose innovative biotechnology-based solutions to address pressing real-world challenges. The challenge is open for applications and will be conducted through monthly submission rounds, continuing until October 2026.
Background: The BioE3 Policy Framework
The BioE3 Policy was approved by the Union Cabinet on August 24, 2024, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This strategic policy aims to foster synergies among biotechnology, engineering, and digital technologies to bolster India's biomanufacturing capabilities. Its overarching goal is to drive sustainable economic development in alignment with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Key objectives of the BioE3 Policy include:
- Reducing carbon dioxide emissions to combat climate change.
- Expanding domestic biomanufacturing to enhance self-reliance.
- Promoting the adoption of bio-based products across various sectors to support environmental and economic sustainability.
How to Apply for the D.E.S.I.G.N. BioE3 Challenge
To participate in the D.E.S.I.G.N. BioE3 Challenge, candidates must follow a structured application process. The challenge is open to two primary groups: School Students (Classes VI to XII) and Indian Citizens, including students, researchers, startups, and SMEs. Here are the detailed steps for school students:
- Select Your Group: Choose the "School Students (Classes VI-12)" category.
- Access the Portal: Log in to the dedicated application portal at innovateindia.mygov.in/bioe3/.
- Account Setup: Sign up or log in using valid credentials on the portal.
- Complete Application: Fill out the application form with accurate personal, academic, and team information.
- Upload Proposal: Submit the necessary proposal and supporting documents as per the official guidelines.
- Final Submission: Review the application thoroughly and submit it before the deadline.
Note: For other categories, such as researchers or startups, applications should be made via bric.nic.in/bioe3challenge/.
Objective and Focus Areas of the Challenge
The primary objective of the D.E.S.I.G.N. BioE3 Challenge is to cultivate early interest in biotechnology among young students and to identify innovative ideas that align with national priorities in economy, environment, and employment. Participants are expected to demonstrate a deep understanding of real-life issues and propose solutions leveraging biological systems, supported by research and sustainability principles.
Submissions should focus on priority areas within the BioE3 framework, including:
- Bio-based chemicals and functional foods.
- Precision biotherapeutics for advanced healthcare.
- Climate-resilient agriculture and carbon capture technologies.
- Marine and space biotechnology for frontier innovations.
All ideas must adhere to core principles such as sustainability, technological integration, policy alignment, and measurable social or environmental impact.
Eligibility and Submission Process for Students
School students from Classes VI to XII are eligible to participate in the challenge. They must work in teams of up to five members from the same school, with one student designated as the team leader. Each team is required to upload a video of up to 120 seconds in length, presented in either English or Hindi, through the MyGov portal.
Important guidelines for video submissions:
- Since participants are minors, videos must be uploaded using YouTube accounts owned by parents or guardians to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- The use of AI-generated visuals or narration is strictly prohibited to maintain authenticity and encourage original thinking.
Timeline, Evaluation, and Recognition
The competition will commence on November 1, 2025, with submission windows open from the 1st to the 20th of each month. Results for each cycle will be announced within one month of the submission deadline. The final phase of the first year of the challenge is scheduled to conclude in November 2026.
Outstanding teams will be recognized with digitally signed Certificates of Merit, while all participants will receive certificates of appreciation. Selected concepts may be showcased on official government websites and considered for further development within biotechnology incubation programs.
According to the Department of Biotechnology, there is no application fee for the challenge, and students will retain all intellectual property rights to their submissions, ensuring their innovations are protected.
