Registrations Open, Last Date Extended

from 9th to 11th December 2024 (Postponed: tentatively Post 20th January 2025)

Prize Pool of INR 25,000 and more

Geo-Innovation Challenge

at

National Institute of Technology Silchar

Supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India

What is the challenge about?

The Geo Innovation Challenge aims to recognize, encourage, and nurture innovation among the youth of our nation. It serves as a platform for ideas that could evolve into full proposals, potentially receiving support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in the future.

In India’s recent journey of sustainable economic growth, knowledge India has adopted a new information regime through its ‘Digital India’ program to support good governance, sustainable development goals, and empowerment of its citizens. The challenges on our developmental path include inclusiveness, transparency, efficiency, and productivity, all while striking a delicate balance between economic growth and sustainable development. Geospatial technologies have emerged as powerful enablers over the last three decades, contributing significantly to addressing these challenges. Innovations in geospatial technologies are crucial for enhancing governance and system efficiency. While these technologies have found widespread adoption across various sectors, true economic and social value emerges through innovation. Whether it's in the realms of food and water security, environmental sustainability, health, disaster risk reduction, location-based services, infrastructure and development planning, governance enhancement, or monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the integration of geospatial technologies with artificial intelligence, IoT, big data, and more opens up a world of possibilities.

Theme: "Disaster Management and Risk Reduction using Geospatial Innovation"

Participants are required to present details of requirements of data (PAN, MSS, Thermal, Hyperspectral, SAR, LiDar or any other data) including resolutions, methodologies/approaches including concept, conventional/AI-ML algorithms/techniques with its limitations, methods of accuracy assessment/ reduction of false alarms etc. for addressing the following Geo-Innovation Challenges in floods and disasters. Following are some sub-themes:

Flood Management Strategies
Agricultural and Farmer Risk Reduction
Impact assessment (Environmental, economic, and social)
Livelihood security strategies
Early Warning Systems
Irrigation Water Management
Estimation of Hydro-Meteorological State Variables (rainfall, soil moisture and water quality),
Flood Risk Zone Mapping and Damage Assessment

*The sub-themes are indicative and not comprehensive. Applicants are free and encouraged to submit ideas in their areas of interest within the larger theme.

Who can participate in the Geo-Innovation Challenge?

Pursuing or having Doctoral/Masters/bachelors in any field
Age < 40 years
Have an innovative idea

*Applicants do not need to have a background in geospatial science/Geoinformatics. We strongly encourage candidates from all fields of study to apply and bring their innovative ideas on the development and use of geospatial science and technology for the socio-economic development of the country. You could also team up with a member from a completely different field or somebody who is into geospatial technologies to develop your idea and apply!

National Institute of Technology, Silchar

National Institute of Technology, Silchar is one of the thirty two National Institutes of Technology of India and was established in 1967 as a Regional Engineering College in Assam. In 2002, it was upgraded to the status of National Institute of Technology and was declared as an Institute of National Importance under the National Institutes of Technology Act, 2007.

Classroom

Hostel

Computer Lab

Guest House rooms

Stages:

Submission of abstracts ---> Online orientation ---> Submission of full idea ---> Shortlisting for next round ---> Offline presentation

Important Dates:

Last date for sending abstracts: 5th October 2024

Online orientation of applicants: 7th October 2024, 11th October 2024

Submission of Full Idea: 29th October 2024

Intimation of acceptance for next round: 17th November 2024

Dates of the program: 9th to 11th December 2024 (Postponed, tentative dates post 20th January, 2025)

Register Here:

Registration Link: https://dst-iget.in/Applicationsform/

Brochure: Geo-Innovation Challenge Brochure

(The brochure contains further details on the registration procedure & challenge)

Registration

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Prizes and Awards:

The three top innovative ideas will be awarded cash prizes and a certificate with an opportunity to be mentored in developing the idea into a full proposal/business proposition. Such candidates may also further develop the full project proposal and submit to DST, subject to eligibility when the ‘Call for Proposals’ is released by DST.

First Prize: Merit Certificate and INR 12000/-

Second Prize: Merit Certificate and INR 8000/-

Third Prize: Merit Certificate and INR 5000/-

* A Compendium with all the innovative ideas will be published by DST on the website.

Organizers:

NIT Silchar

Silchar, Assam, India

Viksit Labs