CDSL Launches First-Ever Ideathon to Reimagine Investor Education and Drive Financial Inclusion
Chennai: Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL), Asia’s first listed depository and custodian of over 16.7 crore demat accounts, has launched its inaugural Reimagine Ideathon, an innovation challenge inviting students to rethink investor education and engagement for a more inclusive and Atmanirbhar financial future.
The initiative is part of the 3rd Edition of CDSL’s Annual Reimagine Symposium and aims to harness student creativity to design solutions that make market participation more responsible, intuitive, and accessible. With over 21 crore investor accounts in its ecosystem, CDSL sees vast potential to deepen engagement and remove barriers to entry in India’s securities market.
“Reimagine Ideathon is a celebration of responsible innovation,” said Mr. Nehal Vora, Managing Director & CEO, CDSL. “Technology is a catalyst for trust, and this initiative reflects our commitment to nation-building and empowering investors with the right tools and insights.”
Empowering Young Innovators
Participants are encouraged to explore diverse solution pathways—from gamification and behavioral nudges to design, technology, and community-building. All entries must reflect the core principles of:
- Empowerment
- Inclusion
- Trust
The Ideathon aligns with broader efforts by financial regulators such as SEBI and RBI to democratize market access and foster financial literacy at scale.
Prize Pool and Participation Details
- Total Prize Pool: ₹11.5 lakh
- Winner: ₹5 lakh
- Runners-up: ₹3 lakh and ₹2 lakh
- Fourth & Fifth Place: ₹75,000 each
Registrations open on 19 November 2025. Teams of up to four students and one mentor (from the same institute) can participate. Full details on problem statements, evaluation criteria, and timelines are available at ideathon.cdslindia.com.
