December 10, 2024: The Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2024, one of India’s largest platforms for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, is set to culminate in its Grand Finale at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee from 11th to 15th December 2024. As part of its 7th edition, SIH 2024 continues to exemplify the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji to make India self-reliant and globally competitive through youth empowerment and innovation. He will interact with young innovators at the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon 2024 on 11th December 2024, at around 4:30 PM, via video conferencing. Over 1300 student teams will participate at the Grand Finale. Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion.
With over 86,000 teams registered, 49,000 advancing to nationals, and 10,800 finalists, SIH 2024 sets a new benchmark for innovation, tackling 250+ real-world challenges across sectors like Smart Vehicles, Agritech, Robotics, Disaster Management, Heritage, and Space Technology, driving India’s technological leadership and sustainable growth. By connecting academia with industry and government, SIH enables participants to develop scalable solutions that can drive real-world impact.
With a legacy spanning 177 years, IIT Roorkee stands as a beacon of technological excellence and societal transformation. As one of India’s premier institutions, it has been at the forefront of innovation, aligning seamlessly with government initiatives like the Smart India Hackathon and the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Through pioneering efforts such as the TMI-102 (Tinkering & Mentoring) course and an active Innovation and Incubation Cell (IIC), IIT Roorkee cultivates entrepreneurial talent and fosters critical thinking. Many projects originating from IIT Roorkee’s platforms have transformed into impactful startups, earning global recognition, further reinforcing its commitment to advancing technology and shaping a self-reliant, sustainable India.
As part of Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2024, IIT Roorkee is serving as the Nodal Centre, facilitating participation in groundbreaking challenges presented by leading organizations. The National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) has introduced three sophisticated problem statements, including Automatic Change Detection in Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite images (SIH1563), Automatic Road Extraction and Alert Generation for New Roads (SIH1564), and Target Detection using AI/ML to Optimize Anomaly Detection in Hyperspectral Image Processing (SIH1565). A total of 15 teams, with five teams per problem statement, are competing to develop innovative solutions. The Government of Himachal Pradesh has contributed with a challenge on Drone-Based Intelligent Systems for Apple Orchard Management (SIH1611), aiming to enhance precision agriculture, with five teams involved. Additionally, Godrej has introduced the challenge Innovating for Sustainability: Driving Smart Resource Conservation (Energy & Water) in Home Appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and desert air coolers (SIH1524), engaging five teams in finding sustainable, energy-efficient solutions. These problem statements highlight the diversity of sectors covered by SIH 2024, including sustainability, advanced technology, and agriculture, underscoring the event’s critical role in fostering innovation for national growth.
Prof. Karun Rawat, Nodal In-Charge for SIH at IIT Roorkee, shared, “This year’s hackathon at IIT Roorkee will showcase cutting-edge technological solutions. We are proud to host teams working on crucial problem statements, from sustainability to space technology. It’s a privilege to contribute to the nation’s innovation journey.”
The Grand Finale of SIH 2024 marks a defining moment in India’s innovation journey, with participants presenting trailblazing solutions to real-world challenges, including satellite-based road mapping, energy-efficient smart devices, and agritech innovations using drones. Inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who will inspire the youth with his visionary address, this event fosters collaboration between students, industry leaders, and expert mentors. Beyond a competition, SIH 2024 stands as a transformative platform driving national development, equipping young innovators with skills to tackle complex societal challenges and shaping India’s future as a global innovation leader.
Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, emphasized with pride, “The Smart India Hackathon is a shining example of our nation’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and creativity. At IIT Roorkee, we are proud to host this momentous event, which enables students to address critical national challenges through technology and ingenuity. We are deeply grateful to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Education Minister for their invaluable guidance and unwavering support in making this transformative initiative a reality. The Smart India Hackathon embodies the spirit of innovation that defines modern India. IIT Roorkee is privileged to host this Grand Finale, which not only empowers students but also significantly contributes to the nation’s technological and societal progress. SIH 2024 is poised to inspire the next generation of leaders, motivating them to drive impactful change for a brighter future.”