Vivekanand Education Society’s Institute of Technology (VESIT), Mumbai, concluded HACK4INNOVATION 2026, a 30-hour intercollegiate hackathon that emerged as a significant platform for innovation, attracting top engineering talent from across Maharashtra. Organized by the VESIT Renaissance Cell (VRC) in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Mumbai, Ghatkopar West, and supported by the institute’s Innovation and Incubation Cell (IIC) and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), the event was held on March 27 and 28 and witnessed participation from 83 colleges.
The hackathon received 1,489 registrations, of which over 400 participants advanced, culminating in 384 solution submissions. After a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, 42 teams qualified for the finals, including 30 teams in the Software track and 12 in the Hardware track, reflecting both scale and competitive intensity. Participants were challenged to develop innovative, real-world solutions within a limited timeframe, addressing critical areas such as cybersecurity, assistive technology, home healthcare, crowd prediction, sports analytics, and cultural education. The event fostered a high-pressure, collaborative environment that encouraged rapid prototyping, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary thinking. The competition culminated in a Power Judging Round, where finalists presented their solutions to a panel of industry experts. With a prize pool of ₹2,00,000, the event recognized projects that demonstrated not only technical excellence but also practical relevance and scalability.
Dr. (Mrs.) Jayalekshmi M. Nair, Principal, VESIT, said, “HACK4INNOVATION 2026 reflects our commitment to creating platforms that go beyond classroom learning and encourage students to solve real-world challenges. It is inspiring to see young minds collaborate, innovate, and build solutions with such passion and purpose. At VESIT, we believe innovation is the cornerstone of progress, and initiatives like this not only highlight our students’ technical capabilities but also their ability to think critically and address pressing real-world problems. We remain dedicated to nurturing future-ready engineers and shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders.”
The successful execution of the hackathon was driven by the coordinated efforts of student-led technical bodies, including IEEE, CSI, ISTE, ISA, and Maker Bhavan Foundation Tinkerers’ Lab, highlighting strong student leadership and organizational capability. HACK4INNOVATION 2026 stands as a testament to the evolving innovation ecosystem among young engineers and reinforces VESIT’s role as a catalyst for technological advancement and industry-ready talent.
About Vivekanand Education Society
Established in 1962, Vivekanand Education Society (VES) is committed to nurturing excellence in academics, innovation, and holistic development. Located in Chembur, Mumbai, VES has grown into 7 sprawling campuses with 26+ institutions offering education across diverse fields such as arts, commerce, science, engineering, law, management, architecture, business school and more.
Guided by the values of Swami Vivekananda and the visionary leadership of Shri Hashu Advani Ji, VES strives to create future-ready individuals who excel in their fields while embodying ethical values and social responsibility. With state-of-the-art facilities, a dedicated faculty, and a vibrant student community, VES continues to inspire generations to achieve their highest potential.
