In a significant stride towards technological self-reliance, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has taken a crucial step in promoting indigenous software development. As part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, MeitY organized the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC) to encourage the creation of a secure, Indian-made web browser compatible with multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows.
Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the winners of the competition during a formal event held on March 20, 2025. The challenge, conducted by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Bangalore, witnessed extensive participation from startups, students, and research professionals. Zoho Corporation emerged as the winner, while Team PING and Team Ajna secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively. Additionally, Jio Vishwakarma received a special mention for its multi-platform browser design. The winners were awarded cash prizes of ₹1 crore, ₹75 lakhs, and ₹50 lakhs.
Addressing the gathering, Vaishnaw emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming India from a service-oriented economy into a product-driven nation. He highlighted the importance of an indigenous web browser in strengthening digital sovereignty, ensuring data security, and supporting innovation within the domestic technology sector. He further urged the industry to accelerate the journey from innovation to large-scale productization, thereby ensuring the widespread adoption of homegrown digital solutions.
An indigenous web browser tailored to Indian requirements is expected to bring several advantages. It will enhance data security by ensuring that user information remains within national borders, aligning with India’s Data Protection Act. Additionally, it will be equipped with a certificate trust store and compliance with security standards, enabling a safe and secure browsing experience. The browser will also support all major Indian languages and include features such as parental controls, digital signing, Web3 support, and child-friendly browsing options.
S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, underscored the significance of the initiative, stating that an indigenous web browser represents a vital component of India’s broader digital ecosystem. The event was attended by several senior officials, including Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary, E. Magesh, Director General of C-DAC, and Arvind Kumar, Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), among others.
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The Indian Web Browser Development Challenge competition, structured in three stages—Ideation, Prototype, and Productization—garnered immense participation, with 434 teams registering for the challenge. Ultimately, eight teams reached the final stage, where their innovations were assessed by a distinguished panel of experts. The competition highlighted the remarkable talent present across India’s technology landscape, with several winners hailing from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.