The Ministry of Education is gearing up for the grand finale of the 7th edition of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH), slated to begin on December 11, 2024. This flagship initiative, designed to promote innovation and problem-solving among Indian youth, will unfold across 51 centres nationwide, with over 1,300 student teams competing to tackle real-world challenges.
This year’s edition is the largest yet, with an unprecedented number of participants. A record-breaking 86,000 teams entered the institute-level rounds, marking a remarkable 240% growth compared to the previous edition. Following rigorous evaluations, 49,000 teams advanced to the national level.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will engage with participants during the finale via video conference at 4:30 PM on December 11. His interaction will further motivate young innovators tackling pressing issues across various sectors.
Themes and Problem Statements
The hackathon is structured into two categories:
- Software Edition: December 11-12
- Hardware Edition: December 11-15
Students will work on more than 250 problem statements submitted by 54 ministries, public sector units (PSUs), state governments, and industries. These statements span 17 thematic areas, including smart automation, MedTech, renewable energy, tourism, disaster management, and blockchain. Notable challenges include:
- ISRO: Enhancing lunar images from darker regions of the Moon
- Jal Shakti Ministry: Developing a real-time Ganga water quality monitoring system
- AYUSH Ministry: Designing a Smart Yoga Mat integrated with AI
Each student team comprises six members and two mentors who collaborate to deliver creative, scalable solutions.
Significance of the Hackathon
SIH has evolved into a premier platform for nurturing innovation, enabling students to demonstrate their creativity and work with industry experts. For corporates and the government, it serves as a treasure trove of innovative ideas while promoting collaboration for nation-building.
The initiative also supports startups and entrepreneurship. Over 100 startups have been launched by SIH alumni, many of which focus on social impact solutions. The event showcases the potential of young minds in driving India’s technological and economic progress.
Also Read: Google-NCERT Collaboration to Redefine Indian Education with Multilingual Digital Learning
A Platform for the Future
The 7th edition of the Smart India Hackathon reflects India’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, digital transformation, and skill development. With active participation from educational institutions, ministries, and industries, SIH continues to inspire students to address critical challenges and contribute to the nation’s growth trajectory.
