Design Challenge

Competition Brief

The 3D GEM – Design Challenge Competition is a national-level innovation platform organised as part of the 6th Edition of 3D GEM 2026, focusing on 3D Printing, 3D Scanning, CAD Modelling, AR/VR/MR Visualisation, Digital Twin, and AI for Engineering & Medical applications.

The competition aims to identify, encourage, and showcase the next generation of designers, engineers, creators, and innovators across India.

Objective

To inspire students and young professionals to design real-world, future-oriented solutions using 3D technologies enabling:

  • Product Innovation
  • Design for Additive Manufacturing
  • Engineering & Medical Visualisation
  • Sustainability & Lightweighting
  • Digital Twin / Simulation-ready Models

Who Can Participate?

  • Engineering students (UG / PG / PhD)
  • Medical & Dental students
  • Polytechnic / Diploma students
  • Design Schools
  • Research scholars
  • Startups & young innovators (special category)

Challenge Themes

Participants can choose any one of the following tracks:

1. Engineering Track

  • Advanced Product Design
  • Lightweight Structures
  • Robotics / Automation Parts
  • Aerospace / Automotive Components
  • Industrial Tooling & Fixtures
  • Defence Application Prototypes

2. Medical Track

  • Anatomical Modelling
  • Surgical Guides
  • Custom Implant Design
  • Dental Applications
  • Patient-Specific Devices

3. Open Innovation Track

  • Consumer products
  • Sustainable designs
  • Smart city / assistive devices
  • Art, creative models, and digital 3D assets

Competition Timeline

  • Registration Opens: Immediate
  • Submission Deadline: 31st  March 2026
  • Shortlisting: 15th  April 2026
  • Final Evaluation & Display:
    28 & 29 May 2026 – 3D GEM Event, IIT Bombay
  • Winners Announcement: 29 May 2026 (Closing Ceremony)

Submission Requirements

Participants must submit:

  1. 3D CAD File – STL/OBJ/STEP
  2. Design Brief Document – Problem statement, approach, innovation, technology used
  3. Rendered Images / Screenshots
  4. Final physical 3D printed model (only for finalists to be brought on the day for display.
  5. Fill the Design Challenge google registration form. ( Link shared below to be clicked and filled)

Judging Criteria

  • Innovation & Originality (25%)
  • Design Quality & Engineering Accuracy (25%)
  • Relevance to Theme / Real-world Application (20%)
  • Manufacturability for 3D Printing (20%)
  • Presentation & Documentation (10%)

A jury panel from industry, academia, healthcare, and 3D technology organisations will evaluate entries.

Awards & Recognitions

  • Winner, 1st Runner-up, 2nd Runner-up in each category
  • Certificate of Excellence & Recognition
  • Opportunity to showcase at the 3D GEM Expo
  • Industry interaction & internship opportunities through 3D Graphy Consortium

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Eligibility

  • Open to students, researchers, and innovators across India.
  • Group participation allowed (max 8 members per team).

2. Originality of Work

  • The design must be original and created by the participant.
  • No copyrighted or previously commercialised designs allowed.
  • Plagiarism leads to automatic disqualification.

3. File Submissions

  • Models must be submitted in STL/OBJ/STEP formats.
  • Files must not exceed 50 MB.
  • Participants must ensure the model is 3D-printable.

4. Use of AI Tools

  • AI-generated concepts are allowed only if clearly declared.
  • The final 3D model must be manually validated for accuracy.

5. Intellectual Property (IP)

  • IP rights remain with the participant.
  • 3D Graphy LLP & 3D GEM event organisers may use the designs
    for display, publications, and promotional purposes with credit.

6. Selection & Disqualification

  • Organisers reserve rights to reject entries that violate rules.
  • Final decision of the jury is binding.

7. Final Round Requirements

  • Shortlisted participants must submit the physical printed part.
  • If unable to print, they may request printing support (charges may apply).

8. Participation Fee

  • Visitor Registration or Delegate Registration is compulsory. ( You can choice any one option)

9. Event Attendance

  • Finalists must attend the 3D GEM 2026 event at IIT Bombay
    for final judgment, display, and awards.
THE GOOGLE REGISTRATION FORM LINK –

https://forms.gle/aczzumJL9xJF4UidA