CDSL launches first-ever Reimagine Ideathon to boost responsible and inclusive investor participation
Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL), Asia’s first listed depository and custodian of more than 16.7 crore demat accounts, has launched its first-ever Reimagine Ideathon—an innovation challenge aimed at engaging students to reimagine investor education and market participation. The initiative forms a key part of the 3rd Edition of CDSL’s Annual Reimagine Symposium.
The Ideathon seeks to leverage the creativity of young innovators in designing solutions that deepen India’s market participation by making investing more responsible, intuitive and inclusive. With the depository ecosystem safeguarding assets of over 21 crore investor demat accounts, CDSL noted the significant opportunity to widen participation by addressing existing barriers.
Aligned with initiatives by regulators such as SEBI and RBI, the Ideathon invites students to propose solutions using gamification, behavioural nudges, design, community engagement, technology and creative communication. Each submission must reflect the core pillars of Empowerment, Inclusion and Trust.
“Reimagine Ideathon is a celebration of responsible innovation,” said Nehal Vora, MD & CEO, CDSL. “Technology is a catalyst and flywheel of trust that empowers investors with the right tools and insights. The securities market must be intuitive, inclusive and accessible to every investor, and this Ideathon reflects CDSL’s commitment to strengthening the vision of an Atmanirbhar investor.”
The Ideathon carries a prize pool of ₹11.5 lakh, including ₹5 lakh for the winning idea, ₹3 lakh and ₹2 lakh for the runners-up, and ₹75,000 each for the fourth and fifth positions. Registrations open on 19 November 2025, and teams of up to four students with one mentor are eligible to participate. Full details on problem statements and timelines are available on the official website.
The initiative comes as CDSL continues its mission of fostering inclusion and innovation in India’s capital markets. Established in 1999, the depository has played a pivotal role in easing dematerialisation, enabling digital services, and ensuring secure and uniform access to market infrastructure.
