Design for Bharat – Youth Innovation Challenge 2026

Empowering Young Minds to Shape the Future of a Viksit Bharat

India’s journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat is powered by the creativity, determination, and fresh ideas of its youth. In this spirit, the Design for Bharat – Youth Innovation Challenge 2026 has been launched as a national platform to inspire young innovators to contribute transformative ideas for the nation’s progress.

Organized as a flagship initiative under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026, and held in collaboration with the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, this challenge invites students, youth innovators, and young professionals across India to think, design, and lead with purpose.

About the Innovation Challenge

The Youth Innovation Challenge 2026 aims to harness the energy and imagination of India’s young generation by encouraging them to present creative, feasible, and impactful solutions on the thought-provoking theme:

“Duality, Dwividhata”

This theme explores the coexistence of contrasting ideas, systems, or realities in our society, and challenges innovators to design solutions that bridge gaps, bring balance, or create synergy between two opposing dimensions.

Participants may interpret “Duality” in various contexts—urban and rural, tradition and technology, environment and development, mobility and sustainability, physical and digital, and more—allowing wide scope for innovative exploration.

Objectives of the Challenge

To promote design-led thinking among India’s youth
To encourage problem-solving approaches to socio-economic and developmental challenges
To motivate young minds to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047
To provide national-level visibility and recognition to young innovators
To foster collaboration between academia, students, and policymakers

A Unique Opportunity to Present Before the Prime Minister

One of the most prestigious highlights of the challenge is the opportunity for selected participants to present their ideas before Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
This once-in-a-lifetime platform enables young leaders to directly share their creative vision with the highest level of national leadership.

Who Can Participate?

The challenge is open to:

Students from schools, colleges, and universities
Young professionals and innovators
Youth aged 15–29 years interested in design, innovation, technology, planning, public policy, sustainability, or social impact

Participants may apply individually or in teams, subject to guidelines on the portal.

Key Highlights

National-level innovation platform
Theme-based submission: Duality, Dwividhata
Association with School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
Showcasing creative talent before policymakers
Certificate of participation and recognition
Opportunity for mentoring and idea refinement

Registration & Application Details

Last Date to Apply: 23 November 2025
Registration Portal: mybharat.gov.in
Applicants must register online and submit their concept note/design proposal as per the prescribed format available on the portal.

Participants are encouraged to apply early and ensure that their submissions are aligned with the theme and guidelines to maximize their chances of selection.

Why You Should Participate

Showcase your ideas on a national platform
Contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047
Gain exposure to expert jury members and thought leaders
Build your profile as a young leader, innovator, and nation builder
Stand a chance to present your idea before the Prime Minister

Conclusion

The Design for Bharat – Youth Innovation Challenge 2026 is more than just a competition—it is an invitation to become a part of India’s transformational journey. With a focus on the powerful theme of Duality, the challenge empowers young innovators to convert ideas into real impact and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.