Nongstoin, Oct 10: The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoin, has urged school students, college students, researchers, grassroots innovators and members of the public to participate in the nationwide “D.E.S.I.G.N. for the BioE3 Challenge”, launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
The challenge aims to encourage innovative ideas aligned with the BioE3 policy pillars and provide opportunities for young minds and innovators to showcase their ideas at the national level.
The final submission window for the challenge is open from 1st October to 20th October, 2026, up to 11:59 PM. Eligible participants from West Khasi Hills District are encouraged to take advantage of this final opportunity to submit their entries.
in the category one is for School Students from Classes VI to XII, School students are encouraged to submit a video entry of 60–120 seconds, along with a concept brief, through the MyGov portal at https://innovateindia.mygov.in/bioe3/. Science teachers, guides and Eco Club coordinators are requested to mobilise students and facilitate submissions before the deadline.
Selected participants may receive National Certificates of Merit signed by the Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Certificates of Appreciation, and structured access to DBT/BIRAC incubation facilities. Cash awards are not applicable to school students.
In the category two is an open category, College students, researchers, grassroots innovators and members of the public are invited to submit a written concept proposal of up to 1,500 words aligned with the BioE3 policy pillars through the portal at https://www.bric.nic.in/bioe3challenge/.
The top 10 winning solutions in this round will receive a cash prize of ₹1 lakh each, with further eligibility for research and development prototype grants of up to ₹25 lakh through BIRAC, subject to the applicable guidelines.
The District School Education Officer has been requested to alert Heads of Government, Deficit and Private Schools, while Principals of Colleges, Polytechnics and ITIs, along with the District Information and Public Relations Officer, District Youth Officer (NYKS), District Mission Manager (MSRLS) and PRIME Hubs, are encouraged to publicise the challenge and mobilise eligible participants.
All interested participants are advised to complete their submissions before the final deadline of 20th October, 2026, at 11:59 PM. For queries and assistance, participants may contact vk.addanki@nic.in.
The initiative offers an important opportunity for students and innovators from West Khasi Hills District to contribute innovative ideas and represent the State at the national level.
