Intel & DST – Innovate for Digital India Challenge

Across the length and breadth of this country, India faces many challenges. But when tackled with innovation that leverages the power of technology, it can help create a transformed and digitally empowered India.

The Intel & Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (DST) – Innovate for Digital India Challenge seeks breakthrough solutions from the citizens of India. Solutions that provide easy, effective technology in the hands of every citizen to help them enhance the quality of their lives.

This Challenge is a timely opportunity for Indian innovators to create products and services that will give definition to the digital dream.

Shortlisted ideas will have access to a 6 month incubation program, including a 3 month accelerator phase where mentors will assist and guide the participants to bring their ideas to life through various stages of funding and go to market support.

The IFDI Challenge aims to encourage the creation of intuitive, easy to use products and solutions that enable and drive access to services imperative for development. Some of these critical services include Financial services, Healthcare, Education, and E-governance.

As part of the India Innovates series, we’ll showcase episodes on IFDI Challenge which will set the context of the Challenge and follow the progress of the applicants right from launch to the Top 10 in an exciting reality show treatment; building their back stories, dwelling on their inspiration behind the idea and ultimately the path breaking innovation that would create a big impact in times to come.

The idea is for the viewers to feel connected with the innovators, understand the challenges they have faced and empathize with them. This will create a sense of pride in what the Challenge is aiming to achieve.

We will hear from the Challenge leaders and partners about the vision, mission and objective of the Challenge. The stringent process of screening the ideas and selecting viable ones will come to light. How does an idea become an innovation, what are the stages, the sweat and blood involved, the episodes aim to take the viewers on an emotional and inspirational journey of this process.

The IFDIC advisory board will also bring the industry perspective on the need for innovation and the quality of innovative solutions the Challenge has thrown up. Their professional experience will help the innovators and viewer to understand harsh market realities awaiting every great idea.

The episodes will build up to the Top 10 pilot prototype stage wherein we see actual impact of the innovations and their relevance to the Indian citizens. We get a glimpse of what the future holds when India starts making for India. A leap of faith waiting to happen.