About CII Design Excellence Awards 2026 - Academic Institutions Shaping the Future of Design

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Design Excellence Awards, under the Academic Institutions category, celebrate outstanding contributions by educational institutions in advancing the field of design. These awards recognize institutions that embody excellence in design education, research, and innovation, thereby nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers and problem-solvers.

Institutions are evaluated on the strength of their curriculum, the quality and impact of their research, and their contributions to the broader design ecosystem. Emphasis is placed on the effective integration of design thinking into academic frameworks, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Recognized institutions not only gain national acclaim but also set benchmarks that inspire continued progress in design education across India.

Research institutes and / or Design Department are encouraged to apply for the CII Design Excellence Awards for several compelling reasons :

Recognition and Prestige : Receiving a CII Design Excellence Award enhances the institute’s reputation, reflecting its commitment to innovation and excellence in design, while attracting talented students, researchers, and faculty.

Validation of Work : The awards provide independent and esteemed validation of the institute’s design capabilities and innovations, reinforcing the value and impact of its research.

Visibility and Exposure : Participation elevates the institute’s presence within academic and industry circles, creating opportunities for collaborations, partnerships, and funding.

Benchmarking Excellence : The rigorous evaluation process by industry experts serves as a valuable benchmarking exercise, offering insights into institutional strengths and areas for enhancement.

Motivation and Morale : Recognition at this platform strengthens the morale of students, researchers, and faculty, encouraging a sustained pursuit of excellence.

Networking Opportunities : The awards and associated engagements provide access to a distinguished network of industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders.

Promotion of Innovation : Being recognized, whether as a winner or a finalist, highlights the institute’s role in advancing design and innovation, bringing its achievements to a wider audience.

Enhanced Funding Prospects : Recognition from a prestigious platform strengthens the credibility of research proposals, offering a competitive advantage in securing financial support.

Market Advantage : For institutes engaged in the commercialization of research, such recognition enhances the appeal of their innovations to industry partners and stakeholders.

Encouragement of Best Practices : Participation encourages alignment with evolving standards, trends, and best practices in design and innovation.

Applying for the CII Design Excellence Awards is not solely about recognition; it is an opportunity to engage in a meaningful process that drives continuous improvement, fosters innovation, and enhances the overall impact of the institute’s contributions to the design landscape.

WHO CAN APPLY / ELIGIBILITY

Design Eligibility : The entry submitted for the CII Design Excellence Award must fulfil any of the following three criteria

Designed / Made in India

Made for / Marketed in India

Designed outside India

Designs may be entered in multiple categories, but each entry must be submitted and paid for separately.

Product / Project submitted should be launched in the market between January 2021 till Dec 2025.

Designs at the prototype stage that are not yet commercialised but have strong commercial potential are also eligible to apply.

Entries must comply with any applicable standards of safety or quality certification (only if required)

Designs can be resubmitted, provided that the previous submission did not win an award and or has been through upgrades in terms of functionality, introduction of new / ‘smart’ elements and over all structural changes to address new customer requirements, or earlier limitation.

*The jury reserve the right to assess the extent of upgrades that make the product eligible for an award.

WHY TO APPLY / BENEFITS

All the applicants and especially winners of CII Design Excellence Awards will benefit in multiple ways. The awards, conferred by CII, the leading industry organization of national and global repute are the recognition of best design competency and ability in India. The following are the benefits offered :

“Winning the CII Design Excellence Award is not merely a recognition—it is a mark of distinction that reflects academic leadership, institutional credibility, and a sustained competitive edge in the field of design.”

To Winners:

A Mark of Market Leadership – Winners will receive an Exclusive Award Insignia, which can be used to brand their product/service across promotional materials, embedded on the product, and featured on packaging — reinforcing trust, quality, credibility and market differentiation.

National Publicity & Media Amplification – Winning designs are amplified through CII’s communication channels, offering powerful visibility among industry leaders, policymakers, global partners, and media.

Showcase at the 26^th CII India Design Summit – A dedicated opportunity to present your winning product/design (physical showcase) in discounted exhibition space at the 26^th CII Design Summit before an influential audience—positioning your organisation at the forefront of India’s design movement.

Recognition on a Premier National Platform – Formal felicitation at the 26^th CII Design Summit — elevating your brand in the presence of top industry leaders, government representatives, and design champions.

Permanent Digital Presence – Featured recognition on the CII Design website, newsletter and social media coverage — ensuring long-term visibility and association with design excellence.

Trophy & Certification – Awards will be formally conferred during the 26^th CII Design Summit in the presence of eminent industry leaders and dignitaries, enhancing prestige and professional standing, reflect your organisation’s commitment to innovation, user-centricity, and design leadership.

Complimentary Access & Networking – A complimentary delegate pass to the 26^th CII Design Summit, enabling high-value networking, knowledge exchange, and potential collaborations.

To All Applicants:

Design Summit – One free delegate pass for the 26^th India Design Summit.

Exhibition – 10% discount on exhibition fee at the 26^th India Design Summit.

Whoever applies for 5 entries would get 1 free entry in CII Golden Pin Design Awards.

*Based on current affairs, CII will decide whether the events will be conducted digitally or in person.

TIMELINES

* The dates are subject to current affairs and may change accordingly. CII Secretariat will share important notification / updates on the www.ciidesign.in website and over mail.

APPLICATION FEES

Fees in INR

**Plus 18% GST**