Jorhat, Assam – The Wisser & Family Innovation Challenge – 2.0 has officially launched with a renewed mission to empower rural artisans in Northeast India. Building on the success of its first edition, which was launched on 22nd July 2022, this year’s challenge aims to foster innovation in product design and entrepreneurship, ultimately improving economic opportunities for local artisans and entrepreneurs.

The Northeast region of India is rich in natural resources such as bamboo, cane, cotton, silk, wool, and even unique animal-based materials like fish skin and scales. However, these abundant resources remain underutilized, with limited avenues for monetization and market access. Through this challenge, The Hub Jorhat, a platform of the Bosco Institute, seeks to address these gaps by encouraging creative solutions for transforming these local materials into high-value, marketable products.

The Challenge Vision

The main goal of the Wisser & Family Innovation Challenge – 2.0 is to help rural communities in Northeast India create sustainable, useful, and marketable products using local natural materials. These products should have utility, be scalable for micro-enterprises, and meet the needs of modern markets, ultimately driving social and economic empowerment.

Participants will focus on creating design-driven products using two categories of indigenous materials: plant-based materials such as cotton, jute, banana stem, lotus fibres, coconut fibres/coir, Husk, Hay, Water hyacinth, Pineapple leaves fibres, Sisal fibres, Sital Pati, Kauna Grass (water reed), Kenaf fibres, Hemp fibres, Nettle fibres, Fruit and vegetable skin, Areca leaf sheath, Sal and teak leaves etc. and animal-based materials including wool, silk remnants, fish skin and scales. 

By leveraging local resources in innovative ways, the challenge seeks to create new business opportunities and expand the income-generating potential of traditional crafts.

Key Issues Addressed

• Underutilization of Natural Resources
  Northeast India is home to a treasure trove of indigenous materials, but they remain largely underexploited in the mainstream market. This challenge seeks to rectify that by inspiring new product designs that maximize the potential of these natural resources.

• Limited Innovation and Market Access
  Many existing products are simple, decorative items with limited utility or appeal in larger markets. By introducing design innovation, the challenge aims to create utility-based products that have strong commercial potential. A primary focus will be on empowering women artisans, who are often at the forefront of the region's handicraft and handloom industries, but face barriers in scaling their businesses.

• Gender-Inclusive Economic Development
  The challenge is deeply committed to gender-inclusive growth, seeking to create economic opportunities that can transform the lives of women artisans. This initiative will provide them with access to better tools, design innovations, and market platforms that support sustainable livelihoods.

Eligibility and Participation

The competition is open to artisans, entrepreneurs, designers, and innovators, with teams made up of minimum two members or maximum of three members. One of the team members must be a resident of Northeast India, and the participants should be below 40 years of age.

Key requirements include:

• Innovative Product Design using natural waste materials

• Focus on creating livelihood opportunities for local artisans, especially women

• Adaptability for micro or nano entrepreneurship models

• Sustainability in design, leveraging natural waste materials to create eco-friendly products

Innovation Grant

The Wisser & Family Innovation Challenge – 2.0 will offer substantial innovation grants for the top three best innovations:

• 1st Innovation: INR 2,30,000

• 2nd Innovation: INR 1,80,000

• 3rd Innovation: INR 1,30,000

Additionally, the best innovations will receive grants to help turn their innovative designs into working prototypes, offering a unique opportunity to scale their ideas and make a tangible impact on the local economy.

Building a Future of Innovation and Sustainability

The challenge isn’t just about identifying solutions for today – it’s about building a sustainable future. By connecting artisans from the Northeast with design innovations and market expertise, the challenge aims to create a roadmap for long-term regional development. This will not only help alleviate economic disparity but also contribute to the preservation of traditional crafts, ensuring they thrive in the modern market landscape.

A Platform for Transforming the Region's Economic Landscape

Through innovative product design, sustainable resource use, and a strong emphasis on community empowerment, the Wisser & Family Innovation Challenge – 2.0 aims to create a lasting impact. This challenge provides a powerful platform for innovators from Northeast India to bring their ideas to life and contribute to the region's socio-economic transformation.

Join the Challenge and Shape the Future of Northeast India

Wisser & Family Innovation Challenge – 2.0 is now accepting applications from innovators, artisans, and entrepreneurs passionate about sustainable development and rural empowerment.

Visit the official website to learn more about the challenge, eligibility criteria, and submission guidelines.

For Media Inquiries, Contact:

The Wisser & Family Innovation Challenge
Phone: 9957343791

Email: hubcreatives@boscoinstitute.org

About Bosco Institute, Jorhat

Bosco Institute, located in Jorhat, Assam, is a pioneering institution that focuses on sustainable development and social innovation in Northeast India. With a focus on entrepreneurship, education, and community empowerment, the Institute is dedicated to driving impactful solutions for the region's development challenges.