D.E.S.I.G.N. FOR BioE3 CHALLENGE 2026
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) + BIRAC + BRIC, Government of India
About
The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge 2026 is a year-long national innovation challenge launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, along with BIRAC and BRIC. It invites students, researchers, startups, and citizens to propose impactful biotechnology solutions for India’s most pressing challenges. The challenge features two participation categories: Category 1, open to school students from Classes 6 to 12 hosted on the MyGov Innovate portal, and Category 2, open to all Indian citizens hosted on the BRIC website.
The challenge continues for one year, up to October 2026. The application window remains open for the first 20 days of every month. There is no entry fee.
About the D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 Challenge 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Department of Biotechnology (DBT) + BIRAC + BRIC, Government of India |
| Category | Biotechnology Innovation Challenge |
| Category 1 | School students Classes 6 to 12 |
| Category 2 | All Indian citizens (individuals and teams) |
| Entry Fee | None |
| Submission Window | 1st to 20th of every month, until October 2026 |
| Format | Video submission with idea proposal |
| Application Portal (Category 1) | innovateindia.mygov.in/bioe3 |
| Application Portal (Category 2) | bric.nic.in/bioe3challenge |
Who Can Apply?
Category 1 is open to students of Classes 6 to 12 enrolled in any school in India. Category 2 is open to all Indian citizens including researchers, faculty, startups, and individuals. For round 2 of the challenge, affiliation to an institutional support structure such as an autonomous institution, bio-incubator, or DSIR-certified startup is a requirement.
Prize and Recognition
BIRAC through Grand Challenges India provides a prize of Rs 1 lakh each to winning teams. The winning solutions have the option to submit a full proposal to BIRAC within 3 months for a Research, Development and Innovation grant of up to Rs 25 lakhs to convert their design idea to proof of concept.
Winners also receive a Digital Certificate of Merit signed by the Minister of State for Science and Technology, and their ideas are showcased on official government platforms.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Monthly Submission Window | 1st to 20th of every month |
| Challenge Active Until | October 2026 |
| Winner Announcement | Within one month of each window’s closing date |
Contact Information
- Official Website (Category 1): innovateindia.mygov.in/bioe3
- Official Website (Category 2): bric.nic.in/bioe3challenge
- Email: mediacell@dbt.nic.in