Innovation and technical talent to get a new platform: Internal Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2026 Concluded at Sharda University

Sharda University successfully concluded the internal Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2026, where nearly 1,400 students enthusiastically participated to develop innovation driven solutions for real world social and technical challenges. Over 244 teams, each comprising six participants from different schools of the university, worked on problem statements through brainstorming, research, coding, prototyping, teamwork, and presentations.
The hackathon provided students with an opportunity to go beyond classroom learning and apply technical knowledge to practical challenges. Participants refined their ideas, demonstrated feasibility, and highlighted potential impact. The event covered themes such as smart automation, disaster management, MedTech/BioTech/HealthTech, agriculture and rural development, blockchain and cybersecurity, and space technology—with software projects accounting for about 75% of entries.
On Day 1, 100 teams were shortlisted by 33 judging panels comprising over 150 judges. On Day 2, the shortlisted teams were evaluated across two slots by five judging panels per slot, resulting in the final selection of 50 teams—23 hardware, 22 software, and 5 backups—to represent Sharda University at the national SIH 2026. The top hardware teams included ZEIT v.1.0, EcoPlast Pioneers, and ZEIT v.2.0, while leading software teams were Agentic Lab, BlueHorizon, and TITANS.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Siba Ram Khara stated, “The participation of 1,400 students is a testament to the enthusiasm of our youth for innovation and developing technological solutions. The Smart India Hackathon offered a significant opportunity to channel their talent into solving real world challenges and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Dean Prof. (Dr.) Geetha Ganesan emphasized that SIH enabled students to experience the complete innovation process—identifying challenges, collaborating across disciplines, and applying theoretical knowledge to create impactful solutions. She encouraged participants to approach problems with curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
The hackathon fostered a culture of innovation, collaboration, leadership, perseverance, and experiential learning. Beyond recognition, students gained valuable exposure to teamwork, problem analysis, solution development, and technical presentation. Selected teams will advance to subsequent stages of the national Smart India Hackathon.
The event also strengthened Sharda University’s commitment to nurturing young talent for India’s innovation and startup ecosystem. Dignitaries present included Dean Dr. Pallavi Gupta, Associate Dean Prof. (Dr.) Sudeep Varshney, Prof. (Dr.) Krishnan, Dr. Mohit Sahni, Dr. Jayant Shekhar, Dr. Rajnish Kumar Singh, Ashish Kumar, Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Pawan, Yashasvini, Deepak, and Saurav, along with faculty members, officers, staff, and a large gathering of students.
With SIH 2026, Sharda University reaffirmed its vision of inspiring students to innovate, collaborate, and contribute to the nation’s technological and social progress.