Hyderabad:The department of intermediate education has announced a statewide innovation hackathon for first- and second-year students, with registrations set to begin on October 12. The 15-day programme, titled ‘Innovate Telangana’, will encourage students to develop solutions to everyday problems, with industry visits for selected participants and cash awards for the top three state-level finalists. Students from general and vocational streams can register through the CodeMitra Future Skills Platform at telangana.codemitra.org until 5 pm on October 17.

The department wants students to identify “real-world challenges” and develop prototypes or AI-based solutions. Projects can address eight themes, including education, healthcare, mental health, agriculture, water conservation, waste management, public services, accessibility and technology for social good. Students must complete the CodeMitra Hackathon Readiness Course and submit their project reports or prototype demonstration links by October 22.

The department will scrutinise submissions on October 23 and 24. A committee comprising five senior lecturers or subject experts will evaluate the projects on October 26. Selected students will visit companies and interact with technology leaders and mentors on October 27 and 28.

All participants who complete the course will receive certificates, while the top three state-level finalists will receive cash incentives and departmental recognition. The award amounts and date of the grand finale are yet to be announced. Principals of government junior colleges have been instructed to nominate one junior lecturer each as a nodal officer to guide students through the programme.

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