Kolkata recently played host to a groundbreaking event, the Kolkata Design Fest ’25, a vibrant three-day celebration of design, sustainability, and innovation. Held from May 22nd to 24th, 2025, and co-hosted by The School of the Future at Techno India University and Make Calcutta Relevant Again, the festival brought together hundreds of students, professionals, and design enthusiasts, underscoring the transformative power of creativity and forward-thinking design.
Day 1: A Focus on Sustainable Beginnings
The festival kicked off on May 22nd at the ESEDS School of Design, with a day dedicated to sustainability and innovation. Attendees immersed themselves in a dynamic schedule that included a design competition and a masterclass on fashion and interior design. Interactive workshops on crochet, printmaking, and digital illustration provided hands-on learning experiences. Throughout the day, visitors also enjoyed a thoughtfully curated photo art exhibition and a student showcase of print works. The evening culminated in a captivating fashion show featuring upcycled couture, followed by a lively disco night hosted by the student council, setting an energetic tone for the days to come.
Day 2: Designing for a Better Tomorrow
May 23rd saw the festival shift its focus to École Intuit Lab, where participants engaged in thought-provoking design competitions. These challenges aimed to address pressing environmental and social issues, including creating a billboard for climate action in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), reimagining sustainable packaging for eco-conscious brands, and designing impactful posters centered on urgent global issues. The day concluded with the much-anticipated launch of the school’s annual student exhibition, Prophecy: Echoes of the Future. This immersive experience captivated visitors with a sensory-rich blend of light, sound, and visual storytelling, prompting reflection on the future of design.
Day 3: A Grand Finale of Inspiration and Recognition
The final day, hosted at Techno India University, offered a powerful closing to the festival. The agenda featured insightful keynote speech by Ar. Avik Ghosh and masterclasses curated by the Association of Designers of India (ADI). A special highlight was the masterclass on typography led by renowned designer Ms. Shilpi Chauhan Chakraborty, who provided an in-depth exploration of typography’s evolution and cultural impact in design communication.
The festival concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony, celebrating the talented winners of the competitions held over the first two days. A final fashion show by ESEDS students showcased fresh, sustainable design approaches. Sristi Barai from École Intuit Lab clinched the first position, with Devangshi Samata and Debaisharjya Narayan Deb as the first and second runners-up, respectively. All three winners were awarded an iPad, a gorgeous memento, and a goodie bag.
“Kolkata Design Fest ’25 was more than just a festival—it was a movement,” remarked Mr. Meghdut Roy Chowdhury, Chief Innovation Officer, Techno India Group and Founder, Make Calcutta Relevant Again. “We wanted to show the world that Kolkata is a serious design capital. This gathering of young creatives proved that innovation, sustainability, and culture can coexist and thrive when given the right platform.”
Prof. Manoshi Roy Chowdhury, Co-chairperson, Techno India Group, added, “Our mission at Techno India has always been to nurture future leaders and change makers. With the School of the Future and initiatives like this fest, we are committed to fostering a design-driven mindset that addresses global challenges while celebrating local creativity.”
Kolkata Design Fest ’25 proved to be a landmark event, amplifying the voices of emerging designers and spotlighting how creativity can drive meaningful change. It successfully bridged traditional and contemporary design narratives, leaving a lasting impression on the city’s cultural and innovation landscape.