Hackathon Grand Finale: Key Directives & Guidelines with Dr. Abhay Jere, VCM, AICTE & CIO, MoE

Summary

In this session, key personnel from the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) program provided updates and answered participant queries about the upcoming Grand Finale event. The discussion covered topics such as travel arrangements, reimbursement guidelines, hardware kit allocation, and team registration. Participants were informed about updated details on the event website, including the availability of 51 centers, 13 hardware-focused locations, and funding provisions for hardware teams. There were clarifications on changing team members, along with essential details regarding the final event schedules, accommodations, and the importance of attending preparatory sessions to ensure a smooth experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. AB J, Vice Chairman and Chief Innovation Officer, could not join the session due to flight delays caused by smog, but will reschedule the session for Friday afternoon.
• 😀 The 2024 Smart India Hackathon website has been updated with all the centers listed, including 38 software hackathon centers and 13 hardware hackathon centers.
• 😀 Travel reimbursements for participants are capped at a maximum of ₹2000 per student for sleeper class train tickets.
• 😀 For hardware hackathon teams, a budget of ₹20,000 is available per team to purchase hardware components. A bill of materials will be provided for the respective teams.
• 😀 Teams are advised to reach their respective noal centers on Day Zero (10th December) before dinner time for a briefing and important communication.
• 😀 Some universities have exams that overlap with hackathon dates. Letters have been sent to universities to request rescheduling or consideration for participants.
• 😀 Telegram links for communication will be sent via email. Participants are encouraged to stay connected for updates.
• 😀 Teams can update up to three members, including the team leader, provided a new consent letter is submitted for any changes.
• 😀 Flex banners and other materials for the hackathon will be provided by the respective noal centers, with templates for a roll-up standee to be shared later.
• 😀 Accommodation will be provided for participants arriving one day before the hackathon begins. If teams arrive earlier, arrangements will be made as per availability.
• 😀 The final results for waitlisted teams will be announced by next week, after consent from the respective teams to confirm participation in the grand finale.

Q & A

What is the main objective of this session?

The main objective of this session is to provide important information and answer queries related to the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) Grand Finale 2024. The session also aimed to update participants on event logistics, reimbursements, hardware kits, and other crucial aspects.

Why was Dr. ABJ unable to attend the session?

Dr. ABJ, the Vice Chairman and Chief Innovation Officer, could not attend the session due to delays caused by smog and flight-related issues. However, his session is rescheduled for Friday afternoon.

What should participants do if their exams clash with the Hackathon dates?

Participants whose exams overlap with the Hackathon dates are advised to reach out to their universities. A letter from the Chairman of AIC has been shared with universities requesting that they consider rescheduling exams to accommodate the participants.

What is the maximum reimbursement available for travel expenses?

The reimbursement for travel expenses is up to INR 2,000 per student, and travel will be reimbursed based on sleeper class train fare.

What is the maximum budget for hardware kits for teams participating in the Hardware Hackathon?

For teams participating in the Hardware Hackathon, the maximum budget for hardware kits is INR 20,000 per team.

How should hardware components be purchased?

Hardware components must be purchased based on a Bill of Material (BOM) that will be sent to the respective Noal Centers for hardware-related teams. The Noal Center will assist teams in purchasing the components after reviewing the BOM.

Can participants update their team members after registration?

Yes, participants can update their team members, but only up to three members, including the team leader. An updated consent letter from the respective authority is required to make these changes.

How should teams prepare their standees for the event?

Teams are responsible for preparing their standees. The Noal Center will not provide them. The roll-up standee should be printed based on a template that will be shared by the organizers. The dimensions and design guidelines will be provided soon.

What should participants do if they arrive late or at odd hours?

Participants arriving late or at odd hours should coordinate with the respective Noal Center or their Institute to arrange for local pickup from the nearest transportation hub, such as the railway station or airport.

Will accommodation be provided for participants arriving early?

Accommodation will be provided for participants who arrive a day before the Hackathon starts, either on December 10th for the software Hackathon or December 11th for the hardware Hackathon. For early arrivals beyond that, alternate arrangements may be made by the respective Noal Centers, subject to availability.