India's Digital Sovereignty Takes a Leap: MeitY Announces Winners of Indian Web Browser Development Challenge

Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the winners of the IWBDC in a function organized by MeitY on March 20, 2025.

On the occasion of World Happiness Day, the Government of India reaffirmed its commitment to empowering citizens through secure, innovative, and homegrown digital solutions. With the Indian IT sector generating over USD 282 billion in revenue, the focus is now shifting towards the development of indigenous hardware and software products. In a landmark move, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Bangalore, launched the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC) under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering innovation, strengthening digital independence, and enhancing India’s self-reliance in cyberspace.

A Bold Step Towards Self-Reliance

The Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC) was introduced to address the urgent need for an indigenous web browser, ensuring India's data sovereignty, privacy, and enhanced cybersecurity. As the primary gateway to the internet, a web browser is integral to online activities such as browsing, email communication, digital transactions, and e-governance. By developing a domestic alternative to foreign browsers, India aims to reduce reliance on international tech giants and establish a robust, independent digital ecosystem.

Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the winners of the IWBDC in a function organized by MeitY on March 20, 2025. He lauded the participants for their outstanding innovation, creativity, and expertise in crafting a secure and reliable web browser tailored to Indian needs. The initiative, he emphasized, is a major step toward realizing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and positioning India as a "product nation," transitioning from a service-centric IT industry to a hub of cutting-edge technological solutions.

Winners and Their Groundbreaking Contributions

The IWBDC witnessed enthusiastic participation from startups, academia, and researchers, all striving to contribute to India's digital self-reliance. The rigorous selection process, which progressed through Ideation, Prototype, and Productization stages, led to the emergence of outstanding teams that demonstrated remarkable ingenuity.

• Zoho Corporation clinched the top spot with its innovative and secure browser, earning a cash prize of ₹1 crore.
• Team PING, a promising startup, secured the 1st Runner-Up position and was awarded ₹75 lakhs.
• Team Ajna, another impressive startup, emerged as the 2nd Runner-Up, winning ₹50 lakhs.
• Special mention was given to Jio Vishwakarma for its exceptional contributions to browser design across multiple platforms, emphasizing accessibility and security.

Minister Vaishnaw expressed particular satisfaction in witnessing winners emerging from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, underscoring the vast talent pool beyond India's metropolitan hubs. He encouraged more startups and industries to participate in the journey of innovation, urging them to develop scalable and secure solutions that align with India’s self-reliance mission.

Features of the Indigenous Web Browser

The indigenous web browser developed under IWBDC is expected to set new benchmarks for cybersecurity, user privacy, and seamless compatibility with diverse Indian needs. Key features include:

• Enhanced Data Security: User data will remain within Indian borders, ensuring better control over sensitive information and adherence to India's Data Protection Act.
• Indigenous Trust Store: The browser will feature a dedicated trust store with the CCA India Root Certificate, enhancing the credibility of digital interactions.
• Digital Signing Capability: Secure in-browser digital signing will streamline authentication for businesses and individuals.
• Child-Friendly Browsing and Parental Controls: Ensuring a safe online experience for children, the browser incorporates robust parental controls and secure browsing features.
• Support for Indian Languages: The browser will seamlessly support all 22 official Indian languages, promoting linguistic inclusivity.
• Web3 and Blockchain Integration: With an eye on the future, the browser is equipped to support Web3 functionalities, enabling secure and decentralized interactions.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: It will function efficiently across iOS, Windows, and Android devices, ensuring widespread accessibility.

India’s Roadmap to a Self-Reliant Digital Future

During the announcement, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of accelerating the transition from innovation to large-scale productization. He urged stakeholders—industry leaders, startups, and policymakers—to work collaboratively in fostering an ecosystem where indigenous digital products thrive.

Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, highlighted how the development of an indigenous web browser aligns with India’s broader mission of digital sovereignty. Senior officials, including Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary; Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary; Shri E Magesh, Director General of C-DAC; and Shri Arvind Kumar, CCA, were also present at the event, underscoring the importance of this initiative in the country’s digital roadmap.

A Transformative Challenge: IWBDC’s Evolution

The IWBDC attracted an overwhelming response, with 434 teams registering for the competition. Participants embarked on an intense journey through three stages:

1. Ideation Phase: Participants presented concepts for a secure and efficient Indian web browser.
2. Prototype Phase: Shortlisted teams developed working models, incorporating security and efficiency features.
3. Productization Phase: The final teams delivered fully functional browsers evaluated by a distinguished Jury Panel.

Eight teams made it to the final stage, showcasing robust, feature-rich browsers designed to elevate India’s internet experience. The competition highlighted the immense potential of Indian innovators in developing cutting-edge digital products and solutions.

Conclusion: Towards a Secure and Self-Sufficient Digital India

The Indian Web Browser Development Challenge is a milestone in India’s digital independence journey. By fostering homegrown innovation, enhancing data security, and embracing a product-first approach, the initiative paves the way for a future where India controls its digital infrastructure. The indigenous browser will play a crucial role in securing online transactions, protecting user data, and ensuring a seamless browsing experience for millions of Indians.

With its vast talent pool, robust technological ecosystem, and government-backed initiatives, India is on the path to becoming a global leader in software and digital product development. As the nation continues to innovate, the success of IWBDC marks just the beginning of a larger movement towards a self-sufficient and secure digital India.