Opportunity brief
About the Competition
Biodegradable Electronics is a hardware innovation competition by Techfest, IIT Bombay, that challenges students to rethink electronics beyond disposal and design devices that degrade safely after use. With the world generating over 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022 alone, the competition asks teams to build circuits, sensors, and components that are functional during their operating life and genuinely low-impact once discarded. Participants choose their own application area, spanning healthcare, environmental monitoring, agriculture, wearables, or packaging, and must treat sustainability as a core design constraint across material sourcing, fabrication, and end-of-life disposal. Bring your prototype to life at Techfest, IIT Bombay, Asia's largest science and technology festival.
Structure
- The competition will be held in two rounds, with the Final Presentation on-site at Techfest, IIT Bombay.
- Open to all students with a valid ID from their educational institution. Cross-institutional teams are encouraged.
- Team size: Maximum 4 members per team.
Round 1 - Abstract Submission
Teams submit a concise, original abstract covering team information, the specific problem addressed, background on why conventional electronics fall short, the proposed solution and material design (core technology, biodegradable materials, fabrication strategy, expected operational lifespan, and target degradation environment), and the expected impact and scalability.
Round 2 - Final Report, Prototype Submission & Presentation
Teams submit a comprehensive final report and evidence of a working prototype covering the detailed solution description, prototype demonstration and performance, lifecycle and degradation plan, benchmarking against conventional alternatives, an implementation and scalability plan, and a quantified impact assessment. Top teams then present at Techfest, IIT Bombay, before a panel of judges.
Timeline
- Registration closes - 5th October 2026
- Round 1 (Abstract) submission deadline - 17th October 2026
- Shortlist announcement - 10th November 2026
- Final report submission - 5th December 2026
- Finals (on-site presentations) - 15th-18th December 2026
Prizes and Rewards
- INR 1,00,000 for top 3 winners
- Certificates to all the participants who qualify for round 2
WhatsApp Group Link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IPicUampqGv2hyRO2VVJcs?mode=gi_t