Ethos X Saint-Gobain
The Saint-Gobain Grants, in collaboration with Ethos, was established in 2011 to encourage young architects, designers, and students to explore innovative ideas that address real-world challenges through architecture, design, and the built environment. Launched annually, the grant programme provides financial support and a platform for emerging professionals to transform impactful ideas into tangible outcomes.
The programme is guided by the belief that design can be a powerful tool for social and environmental change. Each year, it invites proposals that align with themes such as sustainability, social responsibility, climate responsiveness, affordability, material innovation, and community development. Selected projects span a diverse range of interventions—from sustainable design and inclusive public spaces to research, digital innovation, and community-driven initiatives.
Beyond funding, the Saint-Gobain Grants foster a culture of experimentation and knowledge exchange by connecting grantees with industry experts, mentors, and practitioners. This ecosystem enables participants to refine their ideas, develop prototypes, conduct research, and create solutions with the potential for long-term impact.
Over the years, the collaboration between Ethos Foundation and Saint-Gobain India has supported numerous projects that demonstrate how thoughtful design can improve lives while addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. Today, the annual grant programme continues to empower the next generation of changemakers, reinforcing the vision of creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient built environment through design.
Pillars of the Saint-Gobain Grants Programme
Pillar of Sustainability
Sustainable & eco-friendly projects; environmentally responsive innovation, research, and design interventions,Renewable energy solutions, Conservation, Sustainable transportation.
Pillar of social responsibility
Socially responsible projects in architecture, construction, and design, Community-based interventions, Affordable spaces, Development of communities, Inclusive design, Development of employment opportunities
Pillar of Socio Cultural realm
Address current socio-cultural issues, heritage impact, awareness, documentation, and conservation, Tangible and intangible heritages, promoting local handicrafts, restoration and adaptive reuse.
Pillar of Digital Technology and Innovation
Innovative digital initiatives in architecture, construction and design, AR and VR indesign, Promoting wayfinding techniques through VR, restoration through digital means
The Pillar of New Products, Materials and Building Technology
Innovations in New Products; Materials or Building Technology; Sustainable Building Materials Solution; Building Technology; Construction practices that minimise Waste & Recycle materials; Material Research; Modular Construction Techniques; 3D Printing.