In an initiative aimed at enhancing digital sovereignty and security, the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC) has concluded with the announcement of its winners. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), this challenge sought to foster innovation and create a secure, homegrown web browser tailored specifically for Indian users.
Zoho Corporation emerged as the winner, receiving a prize of ₹1 crore for its innovative browser solution named Ulaa. This browser is designed with advanced security features and a focus on user privacy.
Team PING secured the first runner-up position with a prize of ₹75 lakh, while Team Ajna took home ₹50 lakh as the second runner-up.
A special mention was awarded to Jio Vishwakarma for their cross-platform browser design, showcasing the depth of talent across India.
The development of an indigenous web browser is crucial for ensuring data security and sovereignty, allowing Indian user data to remain within national borders. This initiative aligns with India’s Data Protection Act, promoting compliance and privacy. Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasised that this project marks a significant step towards transforming India from a service-oriented economy to a product-focused innovation hub.
The IWBDC attracted participation from 434 teams, reflecting widespread enthusiasm for building indigenous technology solutions. The challenge was structured in three phases: Ideation, Prototype, and Productisation, culminating in rigorous evaluations by experts from various fields. The newly developed browsers will be compatible with major platforms such as Windows, iOS, and Android. They are expected to enhance digital security and provide a reliable alternative to globally dominant browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. The initiative is part of the broader ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, which aims to empower local startups and foster technological self-reliance in India.
Vaishnaw expressed satisfaction at seeing talent emerging from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, highlighting India's potential beyond metropolitan hubs. This focus on grassroots innovation is crucial for building a robust digital ecosystem.