PM Modi Set to Engage with Innovators at Smart India Hackathon Grand Finale Tonight
New Delhi, 19 December (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to interact with participants during the grand finale of Smart India Hackathon 2023 tonight at 9:30 PM, as announced by the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The Prime Minister will address the innovators involved in this nationwide initiative, aligning with his vision for youth-led development.
Launched in 2017, the Smart India Hackathon provides a platform for students to tackle critical challenges faced by government ministries, departments, industries, and organizations. The event has gained widespread popularity, fostering the emergence of new solutions and established startups in various fields over the last five editions.
This year’s grand finale, commencing today and concluding on December 23, received an overwhelming response with over 50,000 ideas submitted by 44,000 teams—a nearly sevenfold increase from previous editions. More than 12,000 participants and over 2,500 consultants and guides will actively participate in the event, hosted at 48 nodal centers across the country.
A total of 1,282 teams have been selected for the grand finale, addressing problem statements in diverse domains, including space technology, smart education, disaster management, robotics and drones, heritage, and culture. These teams will present solutions to 231 problem statements, encompassing 176 software and 55 hardware challenges, sourced from 25 central ministries and 51 state government departments.
The Smart India Hackathon 2023 boasts a total prize fund exceeding two crore rupees, with each winning team set to receive a cash prize of one lakh rupees per problem statement. The event signifies a significant initiative to harness the innovative potential of India’s youth, contributing to technological advancements and addressing real-world challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction and address during the grand finale underscore the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and empowering the country’s youth in driving positive change.
Impact on MSMEs and Businesses: The Smart India Hackathon’s emphasis on innovative solutions can have a ripple effect on the technology and business landscape, potentially leading to the development of practical solutions that address industry challenges. The event’s focus on diverse problem statements aligns with the broader goal of fostering innovation across sectors, offering opportunities for collaboration and the integration of innovative ideas into businesses, including those in the MSME sector.
