Smart India Hackathon 2024: A Platform for Student Innovation and National Progress
On 11th December 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with over 1300 student teams participating in the Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon 2024 (SIH) via video conferencing. The event showcased the innovative solutions developed by students aimed at solving real-world challenges. During his address, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of youth innovation in shaping India’s future and contributing to nation-building.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan virtually inaugurated the Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2024, alongside Union Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar. Senior officials, including Education Secretary Shri Sanjay Kumar and AICTE leaders, attended the event, which is being conducted simultaneously at 51 centres nationwide
About Smart India Hackathon (SIH)
Launched in 2017, the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) has become one of India’s most prominent platforms for student-led innovation. The event focuses on addressing critical issues faced by government ministries, industries, and other organizations by involving students in developing cutting-edge solutions to these problems.
Smart India Hackathon 2024: The 7th Edition
The 7th edition of Smart India Hackathon commenced on 11th December 2024, and is being held simultaneously across 51 centres nationwide. The hackathon has seen the participation of over 1300 student teams competing to solve more than 250 problem statements, all of which are directly aligned with national priorities. These challenges span sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, technology, and sustainability.
This year, the hackathon is divided into two major segments:
- Software Edition – The Software Edition, which began on December 11, runs continuously for 36 hours, where teams will develop innovative software solutions for diverse challenges.
- Hardware Edition – The Hardware Edition, running from December 11 to 15, challenges participants to create hardware solutions to solve real-world problems in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and sustainability.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The Smart India Hackathon 2024 serves as an exceptional platform for students to showcase their technical expertise while collaborating with government ministries, industries, and other stakeholders. This collaborative environment allows students to work on challenges that are not only innovative but also practical, ensuring that the solutions are scalable and impactful in addressing pressing national issues.
This year’s hackathon continues to inspire creativity, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving among students, empowering them to create solutions that can make a meaningful difference in society and the economy.
Prime Minister’s Address at the Grand Finale
On 12th December 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with the participants of the Smart India Hackathon 2024 Grand Finale. The Prime Minister highlighted the crucial role of innovation in the nation’s development, emphasizing that the country’s youth have the potential to drive global progress. In his address, he urged the students to continue developing innovative solutions that can contribute not just to India’s growth but also to addressing global challenges.
The Prime Minister also praised the initiative’s alignment with India’s vision of becoming a self-reliant and technology-driven nation, supporting the missions of Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Startup India.
Conclusion
With over 1300 student teams participating across 51 centres in India, Smart India Hackathon 2024 has successfully become one of the largest platforms for student innovation. The interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Grand Finale highlights the nation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators. As students present their solutions to real-world challenges, the hackathon underscores India’s future as a global leader in technology and entrepreneurship.
