Hyderaba: GITAM’s SmartIDEAthon finals on Aug 24-25

The 2023 edition of the GITAM SmartIDEAthon — organized by GITAM Deemed to be University in collaboration with Startup India and Northeastern University Center for Emerging Markets (CEM) and Northeastern University Center for Entrepreneurship Education (NUCEE), Boston — is set to host its grand finale on August 24-25 in Hyderabad.

The core focus of the event is to encourage students to work on startups that help build sustainable and resilient communities through social innovation. It is a platform for Indian undergraduate and postgraduate student innovators to showcase their entrepreneurial prowess. The annual nationwide student pitchfest has received ideas across four themes: Food & Health, Toys for STEM, Sustainable Fashion, and Frugal Innovation.

After two rounds, the panel re-assessed submitted ideas for innovation, scalability, and impact, 32 shortlisted teams have walked into the semi-finals. The semi-finals and grand finale will take place in person at GITAM’s Hyderabad campus, providing teams with valuable opportunities to network with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and distinguished guests. Only eight teams will move ahead to pitch their ideas to an eminent jury.

The Prizes for various categories:

The winners will get the title along with a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh and a fully sponsored trip to Boston and the runner-up will win a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh and a partially sponsored trip to Boston. Whereas, three more special prizes— Best Social Impact Business Idea, will get a cash reward of Rs.50K and a fully sponsored trip to Boston for one member; Best Women-led Entrepreneurship Idea will win a cash prize of Rs.50K and a fully sponsored trip to Boston for one woman, and Leben Johnson People’s Choice Award (will be selected on the basis of voting by audience during the finals) of Rs.50K cash prize.