MIT holds ’Smart India Hackathon’ at Manipal

Mangalore Today News Network

Manipal, Apr 02, 2017: Considered to be the world’s biggest digital product development hackathon, 42 teams with six students and two mentors began their 36-hour round-the-clock Smart India Hackathon-2017 at 8.30 am at Manipal  on Apr 1, Saturday.

The event was formally inaugurated by Udupi DC Priyanka Mary Francis at the Manipal Institute of Technology Library auditorium here.

Speking to those present, she expressed her willingness to organise a hackathon in the district by involving the students of local engineering colleges to tackle the problems related to the district. Manipal University registrar Dr Narayan Sabhahit, UGC joint secretary Dr N Gopukumar and Manipal University Pro VC Dr Gopalkrishna Prabhu were present.

Conducted by AICTE, All India Council for Technical Education, Smart India Hackathon-2017 is being held simultaneously across the country in 26 centres. The students at MIT nodal centre here are solving problem statements provided by University Grants Commission (UGC).

Speaking to media deputy registrar (academics-technical) Dr Preetham Kumar, who is coordinating the event, said the teams are drawn from all over the country. "This is an important event for us as Manipal Institute of Technology is celebrating the diamond jubilee this year," he said.

MIT has been organising hackathon with the support of Microsoft. "The ideas which come out of the hackathon are utilised by Microsoft," The hope is that it will improve matters in IT.