The 2009 finalist is Rajat Tuli
About the Judges
About the 2009 award
About the 2008 winner
About the 2007 winner

 Rajat Tuli
Co-Founder, Happily Unmarried Marketing Pvt Ltd

Although first generation entrepreneurs, they owe their success to their unique operating style – the perfect blend of a clear vision, pricing and retail strategy, production quality, word of mouth publicity and experiential marketing activities thereby establishing Happily Unmarried as an edgy brand that has effectively used cultural iconography to develop indigenous products making the ‘new India’ look young, cool and contemporary.

His work involves creating products which are fun and ‘unboring’. He works with designers, fabricators, artisans and manufacturers to develop such products.

The runner-up

 Joshua Paljor Hishey,
Owner, Studio Alaya

This “socially responsible middleman” works strategically with artisans (skill based producers) providing critical inputs to develop products which have contemporary relevance. What sets him apart is his ‘holistic’ approach - developing their design skills, access to technology and infrastructure, financial & business management literacy as well as marketing linkages which not only helps to build their capabilities but also empowers them to withstand risks (including financial) and take ownership of community initiatives.

He is a designer with a keen interest and passion in integrating Design with Development initiatives. He heads a design-led social enterprise 'Studio Alaya' that works with crafts and skill based producer communities in rural and urban areas of Uttarakhand in order to build their capacity to cater to contemporary markets and improve their livelihood prospects. 'Studio Alaya' is promoted by H&H Associates, a for-profit firm that he established in Dehradun in 2005 which has been providing consultancy in various fields of design such as Product, Furniture, Interiors, Graphics and related training and business development strategy to Corporates, Government and Non-Government Organisations. Since 2005, he has been running a furniture manufacturing enterprise training and providing employment to the local youth. The enterprise is the first unit in the state to produce Bamboo furniture. Currently they manufacture and market furniture, crafts and accessories under the Studio Alaya brand. In early 2009, he won the Community Youth Leadership Journey, a nation wide competition under which he will now establish a Graphic Design Studio imparting training in graphic design to underprivileged youth by first imparting them training in English and Computers as an extension to his firm's current social initiatives.

Other finalists:

 Abhishek Ray
Proprietor, Matrika Design Collaborative / Disability Research and Design Foundation

As a practitioner he has always been interested in exploring different realms of design, which are integrated within architecture and interior design. He believes in the holistic realisation of a project with the architect having to deliberate on issues ranging from landscape to graphics for any design commission. This principle has led to his development as a designer and given him business opportunities based on the innate abilities he imbibes to work on various facets of design. His work has been a representation of his growth in the design fraternity. He has always aspired to have his own organisation where he would pursue his style and understanding of design and create a commercial enterprise comprising of fellow designers who would contribute their skills and insight. The growth of Matrika Design Collaborative as a design firm has led to a concerted understanding of design practice and is paying dividends, as they are now able to undertake commissions ranging from museum design to project management. The association of Matrika Design Collaborative and Disability Research and Design Foundation and its affiliation with Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, has allowed for business opportunities to emerge from the social sector in India. He would want to further this amalgamation of interests and business growth in his career as a professional design practitioner.

 Anurag Sehgal
Partner, Experiential Design Lab Pvt Ltd

As a person he continuously seeks and applies awareness to various facets of his life. A deep respect for nature, coupled with his fascination with the similarities between the evolution of natural and artificial environments, led him to engage himself in the same. He chose to study interaction design to familiarise with practices, which enable the creation of intelligent, augmented, mixed-reality and participatory experiences through evolved spaces, products and services. His work taking shape as his company Experiential Design Lab stems from a holistic design-approach and a strong belief in the effectiveness of well established design processes in solving problems and satisfying needs, of any scale. He strives to instigate dialogues within a multi-disciplinary team of designers, technologists, engineers and other professionals. This is rooted in his understanding of those diverse realms allowing him to participate as a bridge forging them together to deliver comprehensive design solutions. He has a keen sense of observation of the economic impact and market influence on innovation and vice versa. He is enthusiastic about imparting awareness about the value addition his upcoming field offers the industry and through workshops and publications in diverse media, he also intend to impact awareness to the design community and students alike.

 Praveen Thampi
Owner, The Ministry Of Light

The 5 P’s describe him the best…passionate about everything he does in life, perfectionist when it comes to design detailing, persistent when it comes to getting things done, prolific at work & a thorough professional in business. He is basically an artist & has won several awards in painting competitions & art work during his school days. Sadly he has never found time to touch the brush ever since he left college. Perhaps he doesn’t miss his brush because, the Lighting concepts & designs that he conceives for all the Historical & Heritage structures that he deals with at work are all exemplary works of art that satisfy his inner soul. His work - Architectural Lighting Design involves developing lighting concepts for hotels, malls, corporate offices, historical monuments, bridges, residences, sports facilities etc.

 Sanjay Bhatia
Managing Partner, Radiance Kitchens and Furniture’s

He is an architect by profession with a major in Architectural Design. Founder and Managing partner of his firm, he envisions re-assessing and bringing distinctive transformation in the existing designer modular kitchens market in India. He aims to achieve this by being adaptive and sensitive to the ever changing market scenarios without compromising the requirement of his clients. He strives to make his concepts in kitchens most functional, modern, and customisable thereby, making his designs one of the most pioneering and innovative in the kitchen design industry. He has been able to attain a balance between aesthetics, functionality and competitive pricing, in order to reach the vast segment of the Indian society. His work in kitchen design is largely focused on incorporating concepts like ergonomics, projecting work centres, ergolifts (to raise and lower work surfaces), automisation, optimisation of storage and the environment (waste management system). His work in design field extends to designing for NGOs like SPAARC (The Society for the Promotion of Area Resource Centers) and NSDF (National Slum Dwellers Federation) for designing sustainable and mobile kitchens units.

 Suhasini Paul
Owner, Suhasini Paul Design

She is an eminent toy designer and the brain behind some sassy board games for kids. She is fond of rolling the dice in the digital era with a knack of creating playful learning. She develops strategies for board games and imparts knowledge which is equally challenging. Her expertise lies in toys, board game design, educational puzzles and developing crafts for children. Most of what she does is providing children with opportunities of learning by ‘doing’. Her services as a design consultant are sought after by many toy companies in India, China and Germany. She is the first toy designer in the country to have her name imprinted on the games designed by her, which were launched at the Nurnberg Toy Fair 2009, Germany. She was honoured by the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Narendra Modi as the first woman Designprenuer of India. Having completed post-graduation from NID in Industrial Design she often teaches design at NIFT, Delhi as a visiting faculty. In her free time she is also a guest speaker on the NDTV chat show, “Bringing up Baby”.

The judges

 Alex Davis
Founder, Indi Store

An alumnus of the National Institute of Design, Alex majored in Industrial Design from Domus Academy, Milan. He has worked with international master designers of the stature of Andrea Branzi, Massimo Morozzi, Isao Hosoe, Stefano Giovannoni, Ezio Manzini, Marco Susani and Mario Trimarchi. He is recognised for finding his muse in everyday simplicity. His work exudes a distinguished sensitivity in design, besides being meticulously produced, blending the innate creativity of art with the structured study of craft. His work conveys a modern sensibility that makes his products low on maintenance. They have been displayed in the Trends Forum of the Maison et Objet Fair. He has designed a museum in Kathmandu and is a visiting faculty at NID. He has won the Elle Decor International Design Awards, International Glassware Design organised by the Italian National Institute of Architects (INARCH) and Society of Italian Crystalware Manufacturers. He was recently awarded the Jindal Stainless Steel Award for Excellence in Use of Stainless Steel in Product Design, 2006 and has been selected one of the top ten designers in India by the India Today Group. He was part of a team of artists and designers, including such illustrious names as Subodh Gupta, Anjolie Ela Menon, David Abraham and Jason Cherian involved in designing special limited edition pieces as a part of the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Bombay Brasserie, London. He is the inspiration behind Indi Store, one of India’s outlets for the aesthete. His work has been acclaimed as both art and craft in that he has held showings of his creations, curated by recognised Indian art curators. The work of Alex Davis is to be found in some of the most discerning addresses in India and internationally.

 Gunjan Gupta
Founder, Studio Wrap

‘When we wrap something, we attach a new set of values’ is the premise for this young and innovative furniture design company that engages with sustainability both materially and socially by working with traditional craft communities in India to develop a range of contemporary furniture and accessories for the global luxury market and engages with artisans in ethical collaborations to restore skill, respect and livelihood to the handmade through excellence in manufacture and aesthetic. Gunjan has a Master’s Degree in Design from Central St Martins College of Art & Design and has practiced Interior Design for 8 years before she became focused on the bespoke furniture she was designing for her clients. Based in New Delhi, she founded Wrap Art & Design in 2006 and since been an active proponent of sustaining craft in India through her practice and has been recognized for her effort in repositioning the ‘Made in India’ brand Internationally. She won the Elle Decor International Design Award in 2006 and was the India finalist for the Young Design Entrepreneur in 2007. Her work has been exhibited widely at Sotheby’s (London), Droog Design (Amsterdam), Maison et Objet (Paris), Stainless Gallery, Nature Morte and Good Earth in Delhi amongst others.

 Manit Rastogi
Founding Member, Morphogenersis

Manit is currently the Managing Director at Morphogenesis (formed in 1996) and the firm is an association of architects, designers, urbanists and environmentalists. He completed his Honours and the Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Energy Design for which he was awarded distinction at the Architectural Association. He has taught at the Architectural Association, London; School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi; and the Hong Kong Polytechnic Institute; and has been a juror on several design and award juries. He is a member of the Technical Advisory Committee to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India and is the Founder member of Association for Development and Research of Sustainable Habitats (ADaRSH), New Delhi. At Morphogenesis, the practice considers the widening scope of sustainability to be all inclusive; to include social, cultural, financial, technological and environmental sustainability.

 Pramiti Madhavji
Editor-in-Chief, Elle Decor India

Pramiti started her career in advertising with Everest Advertising in Mumbai, and after 6 years in the field of client servicing left to explore her passion for graphic design. She acquired a Higher National Diploma in Graphics in London, returning soon after to start her own design studio ‘The Blue Pencil Design Company’. After a few years of running her own business and consulting with leading advertising agencies, she took up the opportunity of moving into publication design. She found her niche when she joined Ogaan Publications in 1998, and grew to take charge as Art Director as well as Decor Editor for ELLE magazine. Perfectly combining her art direction skills with her second passion “home décor”, she took over as the founding editor of the Indian edition of Elle Decor in the winter of 2000. Elle Decor India is today a bi-monthly magazine with a circulation of over 50,000 copies and is part of an international network with editions in 24 countries. In addition to the magazine, Elle Decor India not only supports design initiatives to promote local talent, but also has two key events yearly – the EDIDA (The Elle Decor International Design Awards) and the Art and Design Show.

About the award

The award champions and celebrates the importance of creative entrepreneurs working in the field of design.

The International Young Design Entrepreneur award is being presented for the fifth time and is awarded in partnership with 100% Design, London’s international trade fair for furniture and interiors.

In 2009 the following 10 countries are participating in the IYDE awards: China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Taiwan and Turkey.

Who can apply:

Entrepreneurs between 25 and 35 years working in any of the following design sectors with at least 2 years professional experience:

• Architecture, interiors and environment
• Product design manufacture: furniture, industrial products and craft
• Design promotion: exhibitions, events, festivals and retail
• Consultants providing specialist services in any of the areas outlined

For any information, please contact:

Rwituja Gomes Mookherjee
British Council
17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg
New Delhi 110 001
Tel: +91 11 4149 7374

Email at rwituja.mookherjee@in.britishcouncil.org or yce.india@in.britishcouncil.org

Selection Process

Young Design Entrepreneur - India Finalist

			Six finalists will be shortlisted from the application received and asked to make a presentation to a selection committee.
			The selection committee will nominate an India finalist to travel to the UK to represent India and compete for the international award.
			The India finalist will get an opportunity to travel to the UK (London, Glasgow and Belfast) in September 2009 on a visit programme to meet leaders of the design sector. It will comprise visits to designers, design-lead retailers and manufacturers, and institutions active in the procurement of design and architecture.

International Young Design Entrepreneur

			During the UK tour all the national finalists’ will participate in a judging procedure where they will make a presentation to an elite UK industry panel about their work and their understanding of, and vision for the design sector.
			The jury will select the international winner of the award who will receive a bowl designed by acclaimed glass designers Gillies Jones Glass.
			In addition to the award title, the winner receives a financial prize of £5000 to be spent on a collaborative project with the British Council that builds the relationship between the winning country and the UK.
			Attend 100% Design (24 – 27 September 2009)
			All finalists will be given the opportunity to promote a piece of design from their country not yet available in the UK but that they believe could have a UK and wider international appeal. Experts from the British Council Design team will select several pieces to be presented at our curated stand at 100% Design.

100% Design

It is one of the world's most important contemporary interior design exhibitions presenting the latest in furniture, lighting, and accessories. The fair is the UK's premier contemporary interiors event for the contract market. There is no other show that connects the world of architecture and design with innovative, contemporary interior products, creativity and an exciting mix of new and established talent.

The 2008 winner

Siddhartha Das
Designer Head, Spaced Out Production Pvt. Ltd.

The worldwide search for the most innovative and creative young international design entrepreneur reached a climax when Indian designer Siddhartha Das was named the International Young Design Entrepreneur 2008.

Siddhartha received the accolade in an event at 100% Design, the UK’s foremost contemporary interiors show. The award was presented by 100% Design Exhibition Director Peter Massey on Friday 19 September, 2008. Siddhartha was given a financial prize of £7,500 to be spent on a collaborative project with the UK’s international cultural relations body, the British Council.

The judges for this year’s award were Janice Kirkpatrick, Founder, Graven Images, Glasgow (Chair); Kim Colin, Founder, Industrial Facility; Sigal Cohen, Founder, Oruga Films (Venezuela), winner IYDE 08 ; Peter Massey, Exhibition Director, 100% Design; Rebecca Walton, Head of Arts Group, British Council.

Siddhartha is the Director of Siddhartha and Spaced Out Productions and is a Delhi-based cultural professional who works through art and design. As a designer, Siddhartha plans, designs and implements projects often by forming a network of professionals. He largely works with cultural, heritage and public spaces with a focus on branding and publications. He has a strong interest in developmental issues addressed through design and works with various traditional craft communities across India.

As an entrepreneur he aims to create links between traditional craft communities and urban markets, be it India or abroad, through design that is modern, and a business model that provides a sustainable livelihood.

The judges for this year’s award were Janice Kirkpatrick, Founder, Graven Images, Glasgow (Chair); Kim Colin, Founder, Industrial Facility; Sigal Cohen, Founder, Oruga Films (Venezuela), winner IYDE 08 ; Peter Massey, Exhibition Director, 100% Design; Rebecca Walton, Head of Arts Group, British Council.

IYDE 08 Citations

‘Siddartha gave an excellent presentation, demonstrating a thorough knowledge of the local Indian design scene and proving that he plays an absolutely vital role in it. Both a designer and a design distributor abroad, he possesses a remarkable creative judgment and an acute knowledge of design processes from manufacture all the way into retail. A true agent of change, he has identified a value gap to be exploited and is determined to develop Indian craftsmanship by coupling it with high quality design skills.’

The panel of judges made two special commendations to runners-up, Mohammed Fares Aly and Y. Tsai. Mohammed Fares Aly, a designer based in Egypt was praised for his passion and understanding of Egyptian design, past and present, and his dedication to promoting local industry within the context of creating a strong, culturally specific design brand. Y. Tsai, an architect based in South Africa, was also specially commended for his inspirational approach to the design industry in his country and for his drive to generate social change through design.

Celebrating its fourth year, the International Young Design Entrepreneur of the Year (IYDE) programme has seen nine outstanding young people from Egypt, India, Lebanon, Malaysia, Poland, Slovenia, South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey come to the UK to celebrate their creativity and enterprise in design in their own country and to network with people from the UK business. The nine finalists took part in a UK tour of the London and Glasgow design industries, meeting key people from the UK business, making contacts, promoting design from their own country and attended 100% Design and the London Design Festival.

The British Council’s Creative Economy Expert, Andrew Senior, said: `There’s a wealth of design talent out there and the IYDE award champions the importance of young design entrepreneurs in this field. This prize is special in that it recognises the importance of design entrepreneurs in the regeneration and renewal of this sector of the creative economy and the role they have to play in changing their environments and in turn affecting positive social change through design.’

In addition, the first International Young Design Entrepreneur Alumni seminar was held this September (16-17) to celebrate the successful first three years of the project, discuss key issues for design in emerging markets, and investigate ways to continue to sustain the valuable IYDE alumni network. Over 20 past finalists attended the 2-day seminar, with the IYDE 08 finalists joining in the sessions.

The winner of the inaugural sibling award, UK Young Design Entrepreneur was also announced at the joint awards ceremony. The winner, Deborah Szebeko, is Founding Director of thinkpublic, a company specialising in innovative design solutions for the public sector.

The 2007 winner

Gunjan Gupta, Director of a furniture design company Wrap Art & Design from Delhi won the exclusive title of 'Indian Young Design Entrepreneur of the Year 2007' which then throws wide open, the doors to the UK to compete for the International Title – International Young Design Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
After a day long interview at a charming heritage space in Bangalore, the panel of judges unanimously voted Gunjan Gupta to represent India at the IYDEY Programme in the UK.

The judges said of Gunjan in their final comments - “Gunjan has identified a future for Indian craft in the contemporary context, clearly articulated and executed to high quality. The products are themselves incredibly evocative and beautifully produced. She can clearly demonstrate success in drawing skill and respect back into artisanship, as well as a willingness to take considerable risk"