MSME Idea
Hackathon 5.0
In alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat @2047” and the belief that “India’s youth and innovators are the architects of a self-reliant and globally competitive nation,” the Ministry of MSME has launched Idea Hackathon 5.0.
The Hackathon 5.0 is a celebration of India’s diverse talent pool, which is designed to harness the collective ingenuity of our people to address pressing national challenges and unlock new opportunities for the future. With themes ranging from low-carbon technologies and cyber defense to Industry 4.0 & 5.0 adoption, coastal and hilly area sustainability, and smart supply chains, this initiative reflects our commitment to building a future-ready MSME ecosystem. This edition marks a significant milestone in the journey of fostering inclusive innovation, as it opens its doors to a broad spectrum of participants, welcoming all Indian citizens aged 18 to 60 years.
By providing access to funding, mentorship, and incubation support, the Hackathon empowers innovators to transform ideas into impactful ventures that shape the future of our nation. For implementation of the scheme the Host Institutions (HI) approved for the scheme will be supported by the Office of DC-MSME. Selected ideas will be provided funding support upto a maximum of Rs. 15 lakhs per approved idea, through the empaneled Host Institutes spread across the country
Last Date for Idea Submission:
14. 07. 2025 (23.59 Hrs)
Select State: Odisha
Select BI/HI: IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park
THEMES TO APPLY
Low-carbon footprint solutions/technologies
MSMEs are ideal for decentralized low-carbon footprint solutions as the energy demand is usually small and distributed, and renewable power can often be cheaper than an unreliable grid connection or diesel back-up power. Efficient integration into low-carbon pathways is usually hindered by the low technological base and typically rural, and semi-urban location of most MSME units. A major priority of innovations across the board is to protect, preserve and scale these low-carbon footprint industries .
Stealth, Surveillance, and Cyber Defense Technologies
Aligned with India’s national security priorities, this theme invites innovations in stealth UAVs, low-observable materials, electronic warfare, and cyber defense frameworks. Solutions could also include AR/VR-based combat training systems and AI-enabled surveillance tools. The aim is to strengthen defense capabilities and explore dual-use civilian applications.
Innovation in Adoption of Industry 4.0 & 5.0 in MSME ecosystem
Enable MSMEs to adopt advanced technologies and leverage infrastructure created under industrial corridors and other initiatives with key focus areas -Automation and robotics, Cyber-physical systems, Human-centric innovation (Industry 5.0), Infrastructure mapping and access, to name a few. Categories like Plug-and-play automation kits for MSMEs to retrofit existing machinery, Digital twin platforms for predictive maintenance and process optimization, Collaborative robotics (cobots) for small-scale assembly lines, GIS-based tools to help MSMEs locate and utilize nearby industrial corridor facilities like logistics hubs, testing centres, and common facility centres.
Innovation for business upliftment and sustainability in coastal and hilly areas
Promote inclusive growth by addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by MSMEs in geographically sensitive and underserved regions like coastal belts and hilly terrains. Participants are invited to design innovative systems that improve India’s capacity to handle climate-related disruptions and emergencies. Potential areas include but not limited to AI-powered risk forecasting, decentralized supply chains, disaster-ready infrastructure, and community-based early warning systems. The emphasis is on scalable and affordable solutions that protect lives, assets, and livelihoods. Key focus areas include- climate-resilient business models, local resource-based entrepreneurship, disaster-resilient infrastructure and logistics, and digital and physical connectivity solutions etc.
Smart and Resilient Supply Chains
To strengthen MSME supply chains by making them more agile, transparent, and data driven with key focus areas like Logistics optimization, Inventory management, Supplier-buyer matchmaking and Risk mitigation and forecasting. Categories like AIbased demand forecasting tools for MSMEs to reduce overproduction and stockouts, Collaborative supply chain platforms that connect MSMEs with logistics providers and raw material suppliers, Digital twin models to simulate and optimize supply chain operations, IoT-enabled smart warehousing solutions for real-time inventory tracking, etc.
GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION
ELIGIBILITY
Any innovator of Indian origin
Students, entrepreneurs, Innovators and MSMEs
Age: 18-60 years as on 27.6.2025
BENEFITS : Financial assistance up-to maximum of Rs. 15 lakhs per approved idea shall be provided to Host Institute for developing and nurturing of the idea.