IIT Kharagpur to Host Final of Smart India Hackathon from December 8
New Delhi, December 8, 2025 – The Indian Institute of Technology (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. This event is particularly significant as it coincides with the platinum jubilee of IIT Kharagpur, marking 75 years of its legacy in technological leadership, innovation, and contributions to nation-building.
About the Smart India Hackathon
Launched in 2017, the Smart India Hackathon is an initiative organized by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) in collaboration with the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Over the years, it has evolved into the world’s largest open innovation platform, empowering students in higher education to address real-world challenges posed by various ministries, government departments, industries, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Event Significance
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, highlighting its national importance.
Participation and Achievements
This year’s edition, SIH 2025, has set remarkable benchmarks in terms of participation. Key statistics include:
- 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, 2,587 higher education institutions participated, with 142,715 teams and 826,635 students involved in internal hackathons. This edition stands out as one of the most inclusive national innovation engagements to date.
Statements from IIT Kharagpur Leadership
The director of IIT Kharagpur, Professor Suman Chakraborty, expressed pride in hosting the Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon 2025 during the institute’s historic Platinum Jubilee. He stated, “This is both an honor 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 serves as a platform for students to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills while contributing to societal development. As IIT Kharagpur celebrates its 75th anniversary, the hosting of this prestigious event underscores its role as a leader in fostering innovation and addressing national challenges through technology.
Note: The Smart India Hackathon is a significant initiative that not only encourages innovation among students but also aligns with the government’s vision for a technologically advanced India.
