Udupi: The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) has launched the fifth edition of the MSME Idea Hackathon, centred on the theme ‘Smart & Sustainable MSMEs’. This initiative aims to promote innovation and technological advancement among Indian innovators aged 18 to 60 years.
Participants are encouraged to present original ideas in key sectors such as low-carbon technologies, cybersecurity, Industry 4.0/5.0, sustainable supply chains, and development models tailored for coastal and hilly regions. Shortlisted proposals stand a chance to receive seed funding up to Rs 15 lakh, along with mentorship and incubation support through MSME-approved Host Institutes (HIs). Entries must be submitted via the My MSME portal by July 14.
The Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology & Management (SMVITM) has been recognized as a certified Host Institute on the DC-MSME MIS platform. It will oversee the idea submission process, initial screenings by a panel of experts, coordination with MSME for further evaluation, and incubation support for promising innovations.
Dr. Radhakrishna Aithal, CEO of Sode Educational Trust, stressed that this initiative boosts grassroots creativity and reinforces the Atma Nirbhar Bharat mission. Principal Dr. Tirumaleshwar Bhat reaffirmed SMVITM’s role in nurturing an innovative culture among students and faculty.
Prof. Shivaraj Hublikar, director of Mi-TiE, stated that their incubation centre will help innovators turn ideas into viable ventures. Dr. Bharath K Bhat, coordinator of the MSME Business Incubator, highlighted the initiative’s focus on delivering resilient and sustainable solutions to real-world MSME challenges.