Over 500 Innovators Participate in HITS Intellithon 2025 – AI Grand Challenge’ Driving Tech Solutions for UN SDGs

The Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS), Chennai, successfully hosted the highly anticipated Intellithon 2025 – AI Grand Challenge, a 24-hour national-level hackathon that brought together some of the most talented young innovators from across India. The event, organized in collaboration with Zoho Corporation and powered by the Catalyst by Zoho platform, was a flagship initiative as part of HITS’ Ruby Jubilee celebrations, highlighting the institution’s commitment to innovation, technology, and societal impact.

The hackathon focused on harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle pressing global issues. Participants were challenged to design scalable, tech-driven solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing areas such as Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). By targeting these critical sectors, the event aimed to inspire young innovators to create solutions with real-world impact and measurable social benefits.

Over the course of the 24-hour hackathon, more than 500 students representing 100 teams showcased their creativity, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities. Each team was mentored by over 50 industry experts, including 18 experts from Zoho Corporation, who provided invaluable guidance, technical insights, and practical knowledge. This mentorship played a crucial role in elevating the quality of the projects, ensuring that participants could develop solutions that were not only innovative but also feasible and scalable.

The competition featured a total prize pool of ₹1 lakh, motivating teams to push the boundaries of their creativity and innovation. Participants presented projects ranging from AI-based healthcare solutions to smart energy management systems and digital education platforms. Many of the solutions demonstrated potential for long-term societal impact, reflecting the ingenuity and vision of India’s next-generation innovators.

Speaking about the event, HITS officials highlighted that Intellithon 2025 was more than just a hackathon—it was a platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and the responsible application of technology for social good. The partnership with Zoho Corporation and the use of the Catalyst platform allowed participants to access advanced tools and mentorship, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry-ready solutions.

Intellithon 2025 – AI Grand Challenge reinforced HITS’ commitment to nurturing a culture of innovation and technology-driven problem solving among young minds. By aligning with the United Nations SDGs, the hackathon underscored the institution’s vision of empowering students to develop solutions that address real-world challenges, creating a meaningful impact on society and contributing to sustainable development.

With the successful completion of this grand hackathon, HITS continues to solidify its position as a leading hub for technological innovation in India, inspiring students to think big, innovate responsibly, and drive change for a better future.