IIM Bangalore's Centre for Digital Public Goods (CDPG) invites students across India to solve real-world Digital Public Infrastructure challenges for a chance to win from a ₹5 lakh prize pool.
- National competition focused on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) challenges.
- Open to all UG and PG students from recognized Indian universities.
- Total prize pool of ₹5 lakh with a team size requirement of five members.
The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore), via its Centre for Digital Public Goods (CDPG), has launched the National Student Case Competition 2026. This high-stakes event is supported by Perfios - Anumati Account Aggregator and aims to leverage the intellectual capital of India's youth to solve critical infrastructure gaps.
The competition specifically targets undergraduate and postgraduate students, regardless of their academic discipline. By opening the doors to all streams, IIM Bangalore is fostering an interdisciplinary approach to solving complex systemic issues.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the shift toward Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the cornerstone of India's current economic trajectory. By involving students from law, engineering, and public policy, IIM Bangalore is ensuring that the solutions proposed are not just technically sound but also legally viable and socially inclusive. This bridge between academia and policy-making is crucial for sustainable digital growth.
The intersection of multidisciplinary talent and digital governance is where the next generation of global innovation will be born.
To ensure a diversity of thought, the organizers have strongly encouraged the formation of gender-balanced teams and the inclusion of students from different academic years and programs. This strategy prevents 'echo chambers' and encourages a more holistic problem-solving approach.
The critical timeline for the competition is outlined below:
| Event Milestone | Date/Deadline |
|---|---|
| Submission Window Opened | August 14, 2026 |
| Submission Deadline | September 7, 2026 (6 PM IST) |
| Shortlist Announcement | By September 15, 2026 |
| National Finals | September 30, 2026 (at IIMB) |
Participants will have the unique opportunity to present their solutions to a panel of leading practitioners, policymakers, and academics, providing them with invaluable networking and professional exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is there a limit to the number of submissions from a single university?
Answer: No, there is no restriction on the number of submissions from any particular college or university.
Q2: Can students from different disciplines form a single team?
Answer: Yes, interdisciplinary participation is strongly encouraged to bring diverse perspectives to the solutions.
