GeoSpatial Hackathon: INR 28 Lakh Worth Prize; Apply Here

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The Ministry of Science and Technology, in partnership with IIIT Hyderabad, launched GeoSpatial Hackathon. Students can register themselves for the hackathon before 31st January, 2023. The hackathon aims to provide engineering students with a platform to put their engineering knowledge to the test. Students pursuing graduation in engineering disciplines should read for more information. A prosperous future awaits them!

Important Dates

The table below lists the important dates regarding the GeoSpatial Hackathon:

Rewards and Prizes 

The winners of the hackathon will attractive prize money. There are prizes worth INR 28 Lakhs for the winners of the hackathon. 

The winners will be selected from two challenges - the Startup Challenge and Research Challenge. The top two winners of each challenge will be eligible for a grant of INR 7 Lakhs each. 

The table shows the rewards and prizes for the winners of the GeoSpatial Hackathon:

GeoSpatial Hackathon Process

There are two major stages in this process - the Idea Stage and Hackathon Build Stage. 

1. Idea Stage

• The candidates will submit their prototypes. 
• The selection committee will shortlist the submissions. 
• The candidates will be notified for stage 2.

2. Hackathon Build Stage

• Teams will build their hackathon solutions, using Microsoft Azure, Github, VS code, PowerPlatform, etc.

The Confluence of Government, Academica, and the Tech Sector

The GeoSpatial Hackathon follows a three-pronged approach to help engineering students. The Survey of India will assist in providing knowledge in the Geospatial domain. Microsoft will come with technological assistance. These two entities will have the backbone of IIIT Hyderabad. It will ensure the engineering students and scholars at IIIT Hyderabad will have all the resources they will need. 

GeoSpatial Technology: What’s the Big Deal?

Students can see this Hackathon as an opportunity to understand how they can transform their learning into innovative and future-oriented projects. Geospatial technology has become an inevitable component of the contemporary world. GPS and Geospatial AI redefined the processes of tracking and mapping.

The hackathon will provide the participants with a glimpse into what top tech companies do. Microsoft uses geospatial technology for Microsoft Virtual Earth.

In this hackathon, the students will work on Microsoft’s Azure resources and other Microsoft tools, frameworks, and languages. Not only this, the hackathon will allow students to understand how other tech companies use geospatial technology. For instance, Light Detection and Ranging technology (LiDAR) is frequently used in self-driving cars. Aerial mapping also uses data from geospatial technology.

Realizing the passion of young minds for innovative technology, Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State acknowledged that Indian students are “very aspirational”. However, they often lack direction. Engineering students today have opportunities like GeoSpatial Hackathon. 

The hackathons not only helps students realize their dream but also forward the government’s vision of digital India. PM Modi has on many occasions stressed the importance of developing “India’s geospatial strategy and policy,” as underlined by the Union Minister. It shows that there is a united effort - by the government and the academic community - to make India technologically independent. 

How to Apply

Aspiring candidates can apply at this link: GeoSpatial Hackathon. 

Hope this article offers useful information. If you are an engineering student, do not waste a single moment. The smallest of efforts is a path to great things in life.