INDIS 2026 · IIT Guwahati

IDEAx North East Design
Entrepreneurship Challenge 2026

Innovating for North East India. Scaling for the World.

IDEAx is an initiative led by IIT and IIM alumni, including alumni of the Department of Design, IIT Guwahati, entrepreneurs, innovators, and Trijos Foundation (a Section 8 not-for-profit organisation) to strengthen the ecosystem of design, innovation, entrepreneurship, and future leadership in North East India.

Organised alongside the International Conference on Innovation & Design (INDIS 2026), hosted by the Department of Design, IIT Guwahati. IDEAx brings together students, researchers, academia, industry, government, entrepreneurs, investors, alumni, and innovation ecosystem partners on a common platform to discover ideas, create collaborations, and build solutions for the future.
Supported by Shri Diplu Ranjan Sarmah, Hon'ble MLA, New Guwahati Legislative Assembly Constituency, reflecting a shared commitment towards empowering youth and strengthening the region's innovation ecosystem.

Why IDEAx?

North East India has immense opportunities across sectors such as:

HealthcareAgricultureEducationTourismSustainabilityClimate ResilienceDigital TransformationManufacturingCreative IndustriesPublic Services

IDEAx encourages innovators to develop solutions that combine:

Design Thinking+Technology+Business Innovation+Entrepreneurship

to address regional challenges and create scalable impact.

Who Can Participate?

IDEAx welcomes participation from across India and globally:

Students and young innovators

Researchers and academicians

Startups and entrepreneurs

Professionals and industry innovators

Educational institutions and universities

Innovation and incubation centres

The IDEAx Challenge

Participants are invited to build innovative solutions that:

Ideas inspired by the North East. Solutions designed for the world.

Competition Structure

IStage

Expert Evaluation

Submissions will be evaluated by an expert panel comprising:

  • Distinguished faculty members
  • Design and innovation experts
  • Industry professionals
  • Entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders

Judged on innovation, impact, feasibility, design approach, and scalability.

IIStage

Grand Finale at IIT Guwahati

The Top 15 shortlisted teams will present their innovations during INDIS 2026 at IIT Guwahati before an eminent jury constituted by Shri Diplu Ranjan Sarmah, Hon'ble MLA, New Guwahati Constituency.

All finalists will receive certificates from the Department of Design, IIT Guwahati.

Awards & Recognition
Winner
₹50,000
First Runner-up
₹30,000
Second Runner-up
₹20,000
The winning team will also receive an opportunity to present at: Udgam – IIT Guwahati Entrepreneurship Summit

Beyond a Competition

IDEAx is a complete innovation ecosystem platform featuring three pillars:

Design, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conclave

A platform for meaningful conversations through keynote sessions, panel discussions, fireside conversations, and interactive discussions.

IITs, IIMs & premier institutionsDistinguished alumniFounders & CEOsIndustry leadersDesign & technology expertsIAS, IPS & public sector leadersInvestors & startup ecosystem enablers

Career & Higher Education Expo

A dedicated platform connecting students with universities, management institutes, design schools, research institutions, incubation centres, startups, and industry partners.

  • Career guidance and counselling
  • Higher education opportunities
  • Research and innovation partnerships
  • Startup and entrepreneurship exposure

North East Alumni Leadership Forum

A celebration of accomplished alumni from North East India across IITs, IIMs & other management institutions. Through inspiring conversations, leaders will share their journeys and encourage young talent to pursue excellence while contributing to the growth of the region.

IDEAx 2026 — Collaborate · Innovate · Inspire · Impact