Envision 2009 is a product design competition aimed at catalyzing national innovation for a global impact. . It caters to those visionaries who have it in them to impact our present, and revolutionize our future. The aim of this competition is to provide an arena where the next generation of block-buster products can be showcased and to provide a platform for the winners to take their idea to the next level. With the assistance of the TePP, feasible products can get upto 30 lacs worth of funding and mentorship. Whether the products are software novelties or hardware designs, this contest offers you not only academic recognition but also helps you make that idea a reality. Only the most ground-breaking and innovative products are then developed further with the help of reputed individuals from academia, industry and organizations such as TEPP, TIETS, DST and venture capitalists.

We have recognized five different contention paths. Participants may classify their products in one of these paths along with their justifications.

• Mechanical: Do you think your design can beat the Nano? Do you have a design for the next generation biped robot? Then this path is for you.
• Electronics & Electrical: Is the idea for the next iPod floating in your head? Do you dream about circuits in your sleep? Follow your heart, follow your path!
• Information Technology & Software: A path much treaded upon, but there is still a lot of scope for innovation in this field. Animation, business analytics, process automation, IT is just getting started.
• Life Sciences & Biotechnology: Does your product promise a greener tomorrow? Do you have the solution for the ever increasing oil prices? Well what are you waiting for, start moving.
• Miscellaneous: Select this path if you are in a quandary over which path to select.

IMPORTANT DATES

• 20 December 2009 : First Round Submission deadline
• 16-17 January 2010 : Envision 2009 finals during GES

For details visit http://www.ecell-iitkgp.org/competitions/Envision/overview/

Mr. Arbind Singh, Social Entrepreneur of the year 2008, is the founder and executive director of Nidan, a non-profit organisation working in Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi and Rajasthan.

Founded by Arbind Singh in 1995, Nidan builds profitable businesses and ‘people’s organizations’ that are led by assetless, informal workers. A range of cooperatives, Self Help Groups (SHGs), trade unions, and individual and community businesses launched by Nidan have positioned unorganized workers as legitimate competitors in globalizing markets of India.

 In 12 years, Nidan has launched and promoted 20 independent businesses and organizations that are governed and owned through shares by 60,000 urban and rural poor members. The enterprises include 4618 SHGS, 75 market committees, 19 co-operatives, two societies and one company—all envisioned and led by a complex of waste workers, rag pickers, vegetable vendors, construction labourers, domestic helpers, micro-farmers, street traders and other marginalized occupation groups.

Mr. K D Singh, is the Head of the Alchemist Group. The group has earned enormous goodwill in the market and the society as well, owning to its ethical grooming.

He has been recognized and awarded with several awards and honors that reflect his perseverance and commitment of the group as a whole.

 
His contribution as the leader of Alchemist Group has earned him accreditations from various national and international associations. These include: