Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with young innovators at the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon 2023, highlighting the importance of technology and youth-led solutions for the country’s progress.
New Delhi, December 19, 2023 – In a virtual address, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi engaged with participants at the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon 2023, emphasizing the significance of technology and innovation for the nation’s development. The event, held via video conferencing, witnessed the Prime Minister’s interaction with various teams showcasing their projects.
The Prime Minister interacted with teams from diverse backgrounds and regions. Notable discussions included Mr. Soikat Das and Mr. Protik Saha from the National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru, Karnataka, working on an IoT-based system for railway cargo. Another team from Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, focused on improving medium-resolution images for ISRO’s Moonlander, aiding safe lunar landings through AI and image processing.
Addressing mental health concerns among children, a team from Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Sambalpur, Odisha, developed a rating system, earning praise from the Prime Minister. Furthermore, a unique interaction occurred with Ms. Reshma Masthutha R from Assam Royal Global University, who utilized an AI translation tool for real-time communication. Her team contributed to creating AI generative designs for components of hydropower plants, aligning with India’s goal of self-reliance in energy.
Blockchain and Cyber Security were highlighted by Mr. Rishabh S Vishwamithra from Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, focusing on detecting phishing domains using artificial intelligence.
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of the Smart India Hackathon in solving real-world problems. He expressed confidence that the youth’s innovative solutions would contribute to India’s self-reliance and global recognition. Additionally, PM Modi emphasized the unique opportunities in the present era, encouraging the youth to leverage India’s talent pool, stable government, and emphasis on science and technology.
Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, virtually attended the event, supporting the vision of youth-led development. The Smart India Hackathon, launched in 2017, has gained immense popularity, with this year’s edition witnessing a sevenfold increase in participation.
In this edition, over 50,000 ideas were received from 44,000 teams, with more than 12,000 participants and 2,500 mentors engaged in the Grand Finale. The shortlisted 1,282 teams are addressing 231 problem statements, spanning themes such as Space Technology, Smart Education, Disaster Management, Robotics, Drones, Heritage, and Culture. The total prize money for Smart India Hackathon 2023 exceeds Rs 2 crore.
Source – PIB
