Lucknow: Goel Institute of Technology & Management (GITM), Lucknow, hosted its Internal Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2026 on campus, bringing together more than 70 student teams to develop technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
The event was inaugurated by Director Prof. Dr Rishi Asthana in the presence of Dean Dr Devendra Agarwal, faculty members and industry representatives. The hackathon featured both Software and Hardware tracks, providing students an opportunity to translate their academic knowledge into practical solutions with potential industrial and societal applications.
Teams presented a wide range of innovative concepts addressing pressing national and industry-related challenges. Participants were evaluated through project demonstrations, prototype presentations and technical discussions before an expert panel shortlisted 50 teams for the upcoming national rounds of Smart India Hackathon 2026.
The evaluation panel comprised professionals and technical experts from diverse fields, including retired Chief Electrical Engineer D.D. Mishra, Ashish Verma of Accenture, Khushi Kumari of CSG Technosole, Gaurav Pandey of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd, Deepak Verma of GeneBio Healthcare and Tushar Srivastava, consultant at UPNEDA.
The projects were assessed on parameters including originality and innovation, technical feasibility, scalability, potential impact and quality of presentation.
Institute authorities said the internal hackathon reflects GITM’s commitment to developing an entrepreneurial and problem-solving mindset among students. The initiative also seeks to encourage hands-on technology development and expose students to the expectations and challenges of the contemporary industrial environment.
With 50 teams progressing from the internal competition, the institute is now preparing its shortlisted participants for the next stage of SIH 2026, where students will have an opportunity to take their ideas to a wider national platform.
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