Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 01: The Directorate of Industries, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, successfully concluded its Hackathon and Startup Pitching Competition, with a grand valedictory function today. The two-day event, held on January 30-31, empowered students from Higher Education Institutes across the islands to pitch innovative solutions to local challenges, fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship under the Startup India initiative and under the ambit of ‘Celebration of Innovation Month’.
The event was graced by Shri Atul Soni, Director of Industries, A&N Administration, Shri Ummer Farooque, Chief Manager, UTLBC, Shri Rakesh Pangat, Deputy General Manager, NABARD, Shri Ajit Anand, Deputy Director, Directorate of Industries and Shri Mohammed Ishaque, Deputy Director, Directorate of Industries.
Shri Atul Soni, Director of Industries, addressed the gathering, reaffirming the Industries Department’s commitment to nurturing young innovators in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He highlighted the immense potential of student-led ideas to propel local startups toward sustainable growth and extended gratitude to all participants, judges, dignitaries, and partners for making the event a resounding success.
Further, during the course of the event, Shri Vijay Kumar, Sr. Sanitary Inspector, SVPMC and the Swachhta Maargdarshak Team of SVPMC demonstrated a session on the effective waste management techniques. The participants gained valuable insights into waste management practices, aligning with the event’s focus on sustainability.
The top three positions were secured by Team from Tagore Government College of Education (Hriday Das, C. Mohammed Jasheem and Samrat Dasgupta); Team from Pondicherry University (Alex Jaison, Ms. Nalli Akanksha, Manoj Kumar, Praveen S and Shashank Singh) and Team from Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (Ms. Deepika Baraik and Tarun Saha). The winners received certificates recognizing their innovative ideas and solutions toward island sustainability.
Earlier, Shri Shahid Khan, Assistant Director (Tech), Directorate of Industries welcomed the gathering.