India’s innovation economy is experiencing a dynamic shift, and at the heart of this transformation are premier institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), that are building the next generation of innovators and creators. With its pioneering Certificate Programme in Design Thinking and Innovation, IIT Delhi is redefining how professionals, entrepreneurs, and students approach complex problem-solving in an increasingly tech-driven, user-centric world.

According to the Harvard Business Review, design thinking1 is both a mindset and a structured approach to innovation and problem-solving that centres on human needs. While its roots stretch back centuries, it rose to prominence in the contemporary business world following a landmark article by Tim Brown2, CEO and president of the design firm IDEO. What sets design thinking apart from other innovative frameworks is its user-centric and solution-oriented nature. Rather than dwelling on the problem, it prioritises the development of practical, human-focused solutions.

A strategic response to market realities The global design thinking market size3 was projected at USD 8.52 billion in 2024 and is expected to hit USD 15.98 billion by 2033, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.25%, according to Business Research Insights.

This trajectory is indicative of a broader trend in which businesses are seeking more agile, creative approaches to product development, customer experience, and digital transformation.

Experts also highlight that the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India has revitalised the emphasis on fostering innovation and creativity in the education landscape. The design thinking model4 is described to be built on the principles of ideating, creating, and testing, empowering students to approach problem-solving with greater imagination and critical thinking. Most importantly, it enables them to apply their classroom learning to real-world challenges.

Recognising this paradigm shift, IIT Delhi's 20-week online Certificate Programme in Design Thinking and Innovation bridges the gap between academia and real-world applications. Developed with input from corporate leaders, policymakers, and innovation experts, the programme offers a rich blend of theory and practice tailored for market relevance and commercial scalability.

A curriculum grounded in real-world impact

Far from being a theoretical exercise, the programme places strong emphasis on tailored for practical implementation, market validation, and commercial scalability., offering over 150 recorded video lectures, live faculty webinars, practical assignments, and a capstone project. This immersive structure is designed to cultivate a mindset rooted in experimentation and customer-centric thinking—qualities critical for business leaders navigating rapid change.

The integration of contemporary themes such as generative (Gen) artificial intelligence (AI), behavioural economics, and systems thinking into the curriculum reflects IIT Delhi’s responsiveness to emerging business challenges. Two cutting-edge masterclasses focus specifically on the application of Gen AI in design thinking, showcasing how AI can be harnessed for user experience design, process innovation, and market research.

Future-proofing India’s Workforce: Who’s this programme for? IIT Delhi’s Design Thinking and Innovation programme is not limited to startup founders. The ripple effect of these successes is reflected in the diverse range of professionals enrolling in the programme, including corporate executives, R&D managers, design professionals, and public sector leaders—each seeking to harness structured creativity for tangible business outcomes. By fostering skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, UX design, and strategic planning, the programme equips executives, entrepreneurs, and students with skills critical for product development, digital transformation, and strategic problem-solving—skills increasingly in demand across industries. .

The programme is open to graduates or diploma holders with a minimum of one year of professional work experience across any sector.

Participants are introduced to frameworks that allow them to reimagine business models, enhance customer journeys, and test scalable prototypes—capabilities that are increasingly sought-after across industries. Cutting-edge masterclasses are delivered by innovation leaders and product heads, offering firsthand insight into how design thinking is transforming business operations at scale.

For professionals seeking to future-proof their careers, the programme offers a unique opportunity to gain cross-functional expertise in a highly competitive market. Participants will receive a certificate of completion from IIT Delhi upon meeting evaluation criteria.

Building an innovation-first ecosystem At a time when India is positioning itself as a global innovation hub, IIT Delhi’s Design Thinking and Innovation programme exemplifies how academic institutions can drive entrepreneurial and economic transformation. The structured inclusion of Gen AI, emphasis on business scalability, and focus on social impact reflect the multi-dimensional nature of innovation today.

As India advances towards a $5 trillion economy, the role of institutions such as IIT Delhi becomes all the more critical in nurturing not just job creators but problem solvers and changemakers. By equipping a new generation of leaders with tools to ideate, test, and scale real-world solutions, IIT Delhi is helping contributing to India’s evolving innovation-led growth landscape.

Whether you're a corporate leader, design strategist, or aspiring founder, the programme offers professionals a chance to build relevant capabilities in India’s fast-evolving innovation economy. The next cohort begins on June 30, 2025. The programme fee is ₹1,10,000, exclusive of GST. More details on programme structure, flexi-payment options, and eligibility can be accessed through Emeritus, IIT Delhi’s learning partner.

For more details on programme takeaways and business case studies, and to learn more about design thinking and AI modules, design thinking and innovation certification, and design thinking courses, visit the website.

Disclaimer: This article is written on behalf of Emeritus, service provider for IIT Delhi