Government of India BioE3 Challenge 2025–2026

• D.E.S.I.G.N Innovation Competition for School Students (Classes VI–XII)
• About BioE3 Policy – Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment
• Key Focus Sectors Under BioE3
• What is the D.E.S.I.G.N Framework?
• Who Can Participate?
• Submission Format
• Application Timeline
• Recognition and Benefits
• Why This Matters for Students Interested in Biotechnology
• Key Rules & Compliance
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Is this a job opportunity?
• Can college students apply?
• Is there funding provided?
• Can teams resubmit improved ideas?
• Is participation free?

D.E.S.I.G.N Innovation Competition for School Students (Classes VI–XII)

The Government of India, through the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), has launched the D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge under the BioE3 policy framework (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment).

This national-level biotechnology innovation challenge invites students from Classes VI to XII across India to submit original ideas that address critical economic, environmental, and employment-related challenges using biotechnology.

The challenge runs in monthly cycles from November 2025 to October 2026, with applications accepted from the 1st to the 20th of every month.

This initiative is designed to introduce young students to biotechnology innovation, sustainable design thinking, and national research priorities at an early stage.

About BioE3 Policy – Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment

The BioE3 Policy was approved by the Union Cabinet on 24 August 2024. It aims to integrate biotechnology, engineering, and digital technologies to create a sustainable and self-reliant India.

The framework focuses on:

• Accelerating innovation-to-technology translation
• Strengthening domestic biomanufacturing capacity
• Supporting green and low-carbon technologies
• Promoting bio-based products across health, agriculture, food, and industrial sectors

The policy supports India’s long-term goals including Net Zero targets and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Key Focus Sectors Under BioE3

The challenge aligns with six national priority areas:

• Bio-based Chemicals and Enzymes
• Functional Foods and Smart Proteins
• Precision Biotherapeutics
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture
• Carbon Capture and Utilization
• Futuristic Marine and Space Research

Students are encouraged to design ideas using microbes, molecules, biotechnology tools, or biological systems to solve real-world problems in these sectors.

What is the D.E.S.I.G.N Framework?

Participants must structure their ideas using the D.E.S.I.G.N model:

D – Define real needs
Identify real economic, environmental, or employment challenges.

E – Evidence first
Support ideas with research, literature, and real-world understanding.

S – Sustainability by design
Incorporate life cycle assessment, green chemistry, zero-waste principles.

I – Integration
Combine biology with digital tools, engineering, finance, or policy.

G – Go-to-Market
Consider scalability and implementation pathways.

N – Net-positive impact
Demonstrate employment potential, inclusivity, and environmental benefit.

This approach introduces students to structured innovation thinking.

Who Can Participate?

• Students of Classes VI–XII
• Enrolled in recognized schools across India
• Teams of up to 5 members
• All members must belong to the same school
• A designated Team Leader is mandatory

Important:
Participants under 18 must upload videos via a parent or guardian’s YouTube account.

Submission Format

Participants must submit:

• A 60–120 second horizontal video (landscape format)
• Original content only
• No AI-generated visuals or narration
• No brand promotions or advertisements

The video must:

• Introduce team members
• Explain the challenge area
• Present a clear biotech-based solution

YouTube link must be submitted through the MyGov Innovate portal.

Official Registration Link:
https://innovateindia.mygov.in/bioe3/

Application Timeline

The challenge follows a monthly submission model.

Each cycle:

• Submission Window: 1st to 20th of every month (until October 2026)
• Results: Announced within one month of cycle closure

Final submission window closes on 20 October 2026.

Recognition and Benefits

Top 10 winning entries receive:

• Digital Certificate of Merit signed by Hon’ble Minister of State (IC) for Science & Technology
• Individual certificates for all team members

Additional 20–30 participants receive digital certificates of appreciation.

Selected ideas may:

• Be showcased on DBT/MyGov platforms
• Feature in DBT/BIRAC annual reports
• Receive exposure to BIRAC EYUVA or BioNEST incubation ecosystems

Important clarification:
Participation does not guarantee funding or incubation.

Why This Matters for Students Interested in Biotechnology

This challenge introduces students early to:

• Biotechnology innovation
• Sustainable biomanufacturing
• National research policy
• Real-world problem solving
• Science communication

For students planning future careers in pharmacy, biotechnology, medicine, research, or bioengineering, this competition provides strong profile value and national-level exposure.

Key Rules & Compliance

• No entry fee
• Consent form mandatory (DPDP Act 2023 compliance)
• Original content required
• Plagiarism leads to disqualification
• Entries close at 5:30 PM on the 20th of each month
• Jurisdiction: Courts at New Delhi

Queries must be sent to:
mediacell@dbt.nic.in

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a job opportunity?

No. It is a student innovation challenge.

Can college students apply?

No. Only Classes VI–XII are eligible.

Is there funding provided?

No direct funding is guaranteed.

Can teams resubmit improved ideas?

Yes, if not selected in a previous cycle.

Is participation free?

Yes, completely free.