IIT Kharagpur to Host Final of Smart India Hackathon from Dec 8
The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) has announced that it will host the grand finale of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 – Hardware Edition from December 8 to December 12, 2025. This event is particularly significant as it coincides with the platinum jubilee of the institute, marking 75 years of its legacy in technological leadership, innovation, and contributions towards nation-building.
About the Smart India Hackathon
Launched in 2017, the Smart India Hackathon is organized by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) in collaboration with the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). It has evolved into the world’s largest open innovation platform, empowering students in higher education to address real-world challenges presented by various ministries, government departments, industries, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Significance of the Event
The Smart India Hackathon continues to receive support from prominent figures in the Indian government, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan. The event will be inaugurated virtually by the Prime Minister, further emphasizing its national importance.
Participation and Engagement
SIH 2025 has set impressive benchmarks in terms of participation. The event has received:
- 72,165 idea submissions
- 68,766 student teams
- 271 problem statements sourced from ministries, public sector undertakings (PSUs), corporates, and industry partners
At the institutional level, the hackathon has seen participation from:
- 2,587 higher education institutions
- 1,42,715 teams
- 8,26,635 students participating in internal hackathons
This edition of the Smart India Hackathon is recognized as one of the most inclusive national innovation engagements to date, reflecting the enthusiasm and creativity of young minds across the country.
Statement from IIT Kharagpur Director
Prof. Suman Chakraborty, the director of IIT Kharagpur, expressed his views on the significance of hosting the Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon during the institute’s historic Platinum Jubilee. He stated, “Hosting the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon 2025 during IIT Kharagpur’s historic Platinum Jubilee is both an honour and a reaffirmation of our enduring commitment to nation-building. SIH embodies the spirit of young India—fearless in ideas, firm in purpose, and fired by innovation.”
Conclusion
The Smart India Hackathon 2025 promises to be an exciting and impactful event, showcasing the innovative talents of students from across the nation. As IIT Kharagpur celebrates its 75th anniversary, the hackathon stands as a testament to the institute’s mission of merging technology with purpose and fostering innovation that fuels national aspirations.
Note: This article is based on information available as of October 2023 and aims to provide an overview of the upcoming Smart India Hackathon at IIT Kharagpur.
