ISA and GRIHA Council Launch ISA–iSUN Design Challenge for SIDS Resilience

The International Solar Alliance (ISA), in execution with the GRIHA Council, has officially launched the ISA–iSUN Design Challenge — an international student design competition under the ISA SIDS Platform Initiative. Theme-driven as "Energising the Frontline: Architecture for SIDS Resilience," the global competition invites student innovators to formulate climate-responsive, solar-embedded design proposals tailored specifically for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The competition is backed by major global partners, including support from the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) / Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF), TERI – The Energy and Resources Institute, and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Addressing the Climate & Energy Vulnerability of Island Nations

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are on the frontline of climate change, routinely enduring cyclones, storm surges, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion. Simultaneously, many SIDS depend heavily on expensive imported fossil fuels despite possessing abundant year-round solar potential.

The ISA–iSUN Design Challenge addresses this critical gap by tasking students to move beyond conventional rooftop solar retrofits toward an integrated, solar-embedded passive architecture approach. Teams will develop scalable, replicable, and disaster-resilient resort models across selected island contexts, balancing sustainable tourism infrastructure with long-term climate resilience.

Prize Structure & Recognition

To reward exceptional design performance, site-wise top designs across the selected island contexts will be awarded total cash prizes structured as follows:

Winner: $5,000 USD
1st Runner-up: $2,000 USD
2nd Runner-up: $1,000 USD

Key Competition Details & Guidelines

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students of Architecture and Engineering.
Team Composition: Teams must consist of 2 to 8 students accompanied by 2 faculty mentors.
Participation Fee: Free (No registration fee).
Phase 1 Submission Deadline: 15 November 2026, Midnight IST.

Key Links & Resources