CDSL Launches ‘Reimagine Ideathon 2.0’ to Shape Financial Awareness and Cyber Safety Among Students

Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) Asia’s first listed depository and trusted custodian of over 19 crore demat accounts—has officially launched Reimagine Ideathon 2.0 during World Investor Week 2026. Aligned with the national theme ‘Samajh Se Investing Simple’ and SEBI’s Project Jagrook, the initiative invites students across India to develop innovative solutions aimed at strengthening financial awareness and cyber safety. With India’s total demat account base crossing 23 crore and government data reporting ₹22,495 crore lost to cyber fraud in 2025 (with 76% linked to fake investment scams), the Ideathon addresses the critical gap between market participation and digital safety.

Leadership Insights and Evaluation Panel:
CDSL MD & CEO Shri Nehal Vora emphasized that expanding market access must be followed by deepening understanding so investors can evaluate information and participate confidently. He highlighted CDSL’s ongoing educational efforts, including partnerships with Amar Chitra Katha and alignment with SEBI’s Mentoring of University/College Students by Trainers (MUST) initiative.

Submissions for the Ideathon will be evaluated by a multi-disciplinary jury chaired by Shri S. Ramadorai (former CEO & MD of TCS, Chairperson of BSE, and current Chairperson of Karmayogi Bharat). The jury will judge entries based on innovation, user experience, impact, feasibility, scalability, and data protection.

Prizes, Formats, and Registration Details:
Prize Pool: A total cash prize pool of ₹11.5 lakh will be awarded to the top five winning teams.

Eligible Formats: Participants can propose digital platforms, mobile apps, websites, chatbots, educational games, simulations, learning modules, awareness campaigns, community models, or AI-enabled assistants.

Timeline: Registrations officially open on October 7, 2026, building upon the massive success of the inaugural Reimagine Ideathon which drew over 1,000 registrations from nearly 100 institutions across 21 states and 2 union territories.