Gujarat University & GUSEC host the Smart Gujarat for New India Hackathon Final
Gujarat University through the Gujarat University Startup & Entrepreneurship Council (GUSEC) hosted and organised the final round of the Smart Gujarat for the New India Hackathon. The event took place on August 10-11, 2021 with about 105 participants registering through 18 teams and about 28 participants taking part in the event through 6 teams.
The Smart Gujarat for New India Hackathon competition was opened by the Hon’ble Minister of Education Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and comprised 15 problem statements submitted by 12 industries of Gujarat. The Hackathon is a part of the many endeavours of the Education Department of the Government to design and develop innovative processes and ecosystems across its affiliated colleges and universities. At the state level, Student Startup Innovation Policy (SSIP) is pioneering a series of interventions and the Gujarat Hackathon is an annual flagship program where young students can leverage their technical skills to solve real-life challenges posed by various stakeholders.
The hackathon consisted of 28% female participation, with one hackathon team entirely consisting of women. Being a beneficiary of the SSIP, Gujarat University and GUSEC came together to synergise the Hackathon towards allowing students to engage in solving real-life problems.
The hospitality arrangements were entirely carried out by the GUSEC & AIC GUSEC teams and consisted of food arrangements for the participants that included breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and evening snacks; separate accommodation for girls and boys; high-speed WiFi and electricity with backup. A doctor-on-call along with an ambulance on-site were also present to respond to contingencies. About 35 volunteers were engaged to ensure proper arrangements for the comfort and needs of the participants which were further monitored by GUSEC & AIC GUSEC teams for a duration of 36 hours.