Prof TG Sitharam

THE SMART INDIA HACKATHON (SIH) has emerged as a beacon of innovation, bringing together the brightest minds in the country to solve real-world challenges. None of this would have been possible without the visionary leadership and unwavering support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose encouragement since the inception of SIH in 2017 has elevated it to a platform of national pride. The Prime Minister’s commitment to fostering India’s innovation ecosystem has transformed SIH into a life-changing opportunity for students across the country. 

One of the most inspiring aspects of SIH is the unique privilege it offers to participants — the opportunity to interact directly with PM Modi. This unparalleled experience is a testament to the Prime Minister’s keen interest in nurturing India’s youth and making the nation a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. His relentless focus on building a thriving startup culture has empowered millions of young innovators to pursue their dreams and contribute to nation-building.

The 7th edition of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) has achieved unprecedented milestones, reinforcing its status as the largest hackathon in the world. The overwhelming scale of participation and the exceptional quality of ideas submitted highlight the boundless creativity, energy, and talent of India’s students, alongside the unwavering commitment of our academic institutions.

In SIH 2024, a total of 254 problem statements have been provided by 54 Ministries, Departments, State Governments, PSUs, and Industries, addressing critical real-world challenges. This year has witnessed a 150% increase in internal hackathons at the institute level, growing from over 900 in SIH 2023 to around 2,247 in SIH 2024, marking this as the largest edition yet. This exceptional growth stands as a testament to the realization of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision, empowering young minds to drive meaningful change.

With over 86,000 teams participating at the institute level and 49,892 teams advancing to compete at the national level, the scale of SIH 2024 reflects the widespread enthusiasm and trust it has garnered across the academic, industrial, and governmental landscapes. These record-breaking accomplishments underscore the collective efforts of students, mentors, and stakeholders who have united to transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions. SIH continues to serve as a transformative platform, inspiring a shared mission to create a better, more innovative future for India.

SIH is not just about winning accolades. It is a launch pad for entrepreneurship, offering students the opportunity to transform their ideas into successful ventures. Over the years, nearly 100 startups have emerged from SIH, many of which are addressing critical societal and industrial challenges. These success stories inspire countless others to dream big and contribute to the nation’s innovation ecosystem. The role of platforms like AICTE’s YUKTI portal in formalizing these ideas into startups cannot be overstated. By providing a structured approach and continuous support, SIH ensures that the innovation pipeline it creates leads to tangible and impactful outcomes.

The culture of innovation fostered by SIH is critical to achieving the dream of Vikasit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, a vision championed by PM Modi. The solutions generated through SIH not only address immediate challenges but also lay the foundation for long-term societal and economic transformation.

The consistent involvement of PM Modi, who has been in touch with SIH since its inception, is a source of immense motivation for all participants. His addresses during each edition inspire young minds to push boundaries and contribute to nation-building. The SIH’s success has inspired a wave of similar hackathons across India and beyond. Initiatives like the Singapore-India Hackathon, the Kavach Hackathon (in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs), and the Pentathon have all drawn inspiration from SIH. These events further amplify the impact of innovation, encouraging young minds to tackle challenges with creativity and ingenuity.

As we celebrate the 7th edition of SIH, it is evident that this initiative is more than just a competition — it is a movement that bridges academia, industry, and government, thereby leading to a collaborative learning. The involvement of ministries, industries, and departments in posing problem statements demonstrates the significance of this platform in solving real-world problems. This movement would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of academic institutions, mentors, and participants, whose dedication makes SIH a grand success every year. A heartfelt appreciation is also due to the hosts of SIH, whose meticulous planning and execution ensure a seamless experience for all stakeholders.

With each edition, SIH grows stronger, empowering India to stand tall as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. It is a shining example of how collective effort, guided by visionary leadership, can drive a nation toward progress.

Let us continue to innovate, create, and strive for a better tomorrow — for an India that is not only developed but also a beacon of innovation and opportunity. Together, we can achieve the dream of Vikasit Bharat by 2047.

(Prof TG Sitharam is the Chairman of AICTE)

December 12, 2024