As millions of Indians explore investment opportunities in an increasingly digital financial world, Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) has launched Reimagine Ideathon 2.0, inviting students to develop creative solutions that make investor education simpler, more accessible and safer.
Launched during World Investor Week 2026 under the theme ‘Samajh Se Investing Simple’, the initiative offers ₹11.5 lakh in total prizes for the top five teams. It supports the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) Project Jagrook and complements its Mentoring of University/College Students by Trainers (MUST) initiative.
The challenge reflects a growing need to help first-time investors, students and senior citizens recognise financial risks and avoid online scams. SEBI’s Investor Survey 2025 found that around 3.21 crore households, or 9.5% of India’s estimated 33.72 crore households, invest in securities market products, while 63% are aware of at least one such product. Meanwhile, government data cited by CDSL showed reported cyber fraud losses of ₹22,495 crore in 2025, with 76% of reported losses linked to fake investment and trading scams.
CDSL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Nehal Vora said an empowered investor should be able to verify information, understand risks and rewards, and make informed decisions confidently. He also highlighted CDSL’s partnership with Amar Chitra Katha to take investor awareness to younger audiences.
Students can propose mobile applications, websites, chatbots, games, simulations, awareness campaigns, community models or AI-enabled assistants. A multidisciplinary jury chaired by S. Ramadorai, former TCS chief executive and managing director and former BSE chairperson, will assess innovation, usability, impact, feasibility, scalability, accessibility, data protection and presentation clarity.
Registrations opened on October 7, 2026. The inaugural edition received over 1,000 registrations from nearly 100 institutions across 21 states and two Union Territories. Details are available at https://ideathon.cdslindia.com/.
