Mumbai, February 11, 2025

The Digital India Bhashini Division, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, in collaboration with the IT Department of the Government of Maharashtra launched the Maha Hackathon Challenge 1.0 today. The initiative is aimed at fostering innovation in AI-driven governance, drone-based disaster management, anti-drone security and real-time speech translation solutions. The initiative was launched by Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar and IT Minister Shri Ashish Shelar.

The Maha Hackathon Challenge 1.0 invites tech enthusiasts, innovators and developers to tackle critical issues impacting governance and disaster response across the country. Participants are encouraged to create scalable, impactful solutions that enhance public service delivery, promote digital inclusivity and drive technological advancements.

The challenge consists of four categories:

Category 1: Use of AI in Governance

This category focuses on improving administrative functions, enhancing grievance redressal systems and optimizing resource allocation across Maharashtra’s 36 districts and various urban and rural local bodies. AI solutions are expected to automate processes and improve transparency.

Category 2: Use of Drones in Disaster Management

Maharashtra, prone to floods, droughts, industrial fires and landslides, faces challenges in quickly reaching affected areas during disasters. Drones offer an innovative approach for real-time surveillance, damage assessment and emergency aid delivery, providing a much-needed solution in disaster response.

Category 3: Anti-Drone Technology

Given the security vulnerabilities in urban zones like Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, unauthorized drone activities present serious risks to airports, government offices, defense zones and major events. This category invites solutions that combat these threats using anti-drone technology.

Category 4: Live Speech Translation Using Bhashini

With Maharashtra’s linguistic diversity, there is an urgent need for real-time translation of official communications and services. This category focuses on using AI-powered speech translation to break language barriers and ensure government services are accessible to all citizens, especially those in rural areas and those speaking Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Kannada, Telugu and tribal languages.

The Maha Hackathon Challenge 1.0 encourages participants to devise practical solutions that are rooted in Indian languages and local needs, propelling digital empowerment across the nation. The event aims to provide a platform for innovative minds to contribute to a technologically advanced and inclusive future for India.

For more information and registration, please visit the Maha Hackathon Challenge portal at: https://bhashini.gov.in/sahyogi/startup/maha-innovation

 

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