IT Ropar hosts Punjab state-level exhibition and felicitation ceremony for “Design for Bharat – Youth Innovation Challenge”
Babushahi Bureau
Ropar (Punjab), January 15, 2026:The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar successfully organized the Punjab State-Level Exhibition and Felicitation Ceremony under the prestigious “Design for Bharat – Youth Innovation Challenge,” celebrating youth-led innovations aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Held as part of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026, the national-level design competition is an initiative of the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The challenge encourages young innovators aged 18 to 29 years to develop design-based solutions addressing India’s socio-economic and cultural challenges, with a strong focus on social impact and scalability.
For the Punjab state-level round, several teams registered through the online portal. After a rigorous shortlisting process, selected teams were invited to IIT Ropar to exhibit and present their innovative design solutions. The exhibition showcased creative, technology-driven ideas aimed at solving pressing national issues.
Outstanding Innovations Felicitated
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, felicitated two exceptional student innovators for their groundbreaking contributions. The first award-winning project, “Cleanliness Saathi,” featured an AI-enabled smart dustbin system designed to enhance urban cleanliness and improve municipal waste management efficiency, directly supporting the Swachh Bharat Mission.
The second recognized innovation focused on transforming mental healthcare delivery in India by integrating mental health services within the primary healthcare system, addressing a critical gap in accessibility and early intervention.
Youth Innovation for Viksit Bharat
While congratulating the winners, Prof. Ahuja highlighted the pivotal role of youth-led design innovation in nation-building. He said both solutions reflect the spirit of Viksit Bharat@2047 by addressing fundamental challenges in healthcare access and urban sanitation through scalable, technology-driven approaches.
IIT Ropar’s Role in Nurturing Innovation
Reaffirming its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, IIT Ropar continues to provide platforms that empower young minds to develop impactful solutions. The institute emphasized that the award-winning designs demonstrate how design thinking, combined with technology and a deep understanding of grassroots realities, can bring meaningful change at scale.
The “Design for Bharat – Youth Innovation Challenge” stands as a significant initiative in harnessing the creative potential of India’s youth and advancing the country’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable development under the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.