Saint-Gobain has launched its latest grants program for 2025-26, calling upon young architects and designers across India to envision the country's transformation as it approaches its centennial of independence in 2047. The program, themed "A Vision for 2047," seeks innovative solutions that will shape India's next hundred years of development, offering up to six grants of Rs. 1,00,000 each to support groundbreaking architectural and design projects.
The initiative comes at a pivotal moment as India prepares to celebrate 100 years of independence in 2047. Saint-Gobain is challenging participants to think deeply about how design can catalyze urban and cultural revival, asking the fundamental question: "What vision would you conceive to shape India's 100 years?" The program emphasizes the company's core mission of "Making the World a Better Home" through innovative design solutions.
Eligible participants include students of architecture and young architects under 35 years of age, as well as students of interior design and interior designers under 35 years from programs lasting a minimum of three years. The program also welcomes all current and past Transparence participants regardless of age and graduation year. Previous winners and applicants of Saint-Gobain Scholarships are encouraged to reapply with new ideas or proposals for the next stage of their existing concepts.
The application timeline begins with registration opening on June 26, 2025, and concludes with a submission deadline of November 3, 2025. Participants may apply individually or in teams, though Saint-Gobain will sponsor travel expenses for only one team member if selected for the interview round. The program seeks proposals that are feasible, scalable, and inspiring, whether they take the form of small but powerful interventions, tech-enabled prototypes, material innovations, social design initiatives, or hands-on toolkits that can spark real change.
Winning proposals must demonstrate several key characteristics that form the foundation of successful ideas. Projects should bring fresh and imaginative concepts to architecture and design while exploring smart and practical ways to maximize available resources and structures. The initiatives must foster active connections between societies and communities, clearly defining beneficiaries and the positive changes they aim to bring. Proposals can be entirely new creations, adaptations of existing ideas tailored to specific audiences or locations, or implementations of existing concepts with proper credits and permissions.
The program is built upon five fundamental pillars that guide the selection process. The Pillar of Sustainability emphasizes environmental responsibility and long-term viability. The Pillar of Social Responsibility focuses on community impact and social welfare. The Pillar of Socio-Cultural Realm addresses cultural preservation and evolution. The Pillar of Digital Technology and Innovation encourages the integration of cutting-edge technological solutions. Finally, the Pillar of New Products, Materials and Building Technology promotes advancement in construction and design materials.
The selection process involves a distinguished jury appointed by Saint-Gobain, which will carefully shortlist 10-12 potential projects. Qualified candidates will be invited for interviews, conducted either in person or via video conference. The final winners will be announced during the Transparence 20.0 Grand Finale 2025-26, adding prestige to the recognition of outstanding proposals.
Saint-Gobain will provide resources for the development and implementation of selected projects or execution of prototypes, with grant amounts distributed in phases as requested in each proposal. Grantees will receive not only financial support but also awards of recognition, acknowledging their contribution to architectural and design innovation. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate consideration for environmental sustainability and social impact, reflecting contemporary challenges and opportunities in urban development.
Interested applicants can register through the Ethos Foundation website, which serves as the organizing body for this prestigious program. For specific queries related to the program brief, participants can contact the foundation directly. This initiative represents Saint-Gobain's continued commitment to fostering innovation in architecture and design while addressing India's evolving needs as it moves toward its second century of independence.
