Mumbai, Feb 10, 2025: Over 90 student-led solutions took center stage at Kalpadarsh – A Showcase of Creativity, marking the conclusion of the Mumbai Hackathon. This city-wide initiative by Pi Jam Foundation, conducted in partnership with the Mumbai Dabbawalas and supported by Nomura Services, India, empowered students to tackle real-world problems using 21st-century skills.
Launched in September 2024, the hackathon received an incredible 7,500+ submissions. From these, 90 promising solutions were selected for the final showcase. The projects addressed critical challenges like waste management, traffic congestion, urban infrastructure, public health, and environmental sustainability using technological and grassroots approaches.
“The participation in the Mumbai Hackathon has been overwhelming,” said Pranjali Pathak, Pi Jam Foundation's spokesperson. “Students from government schools have shown remarkable technical skills, responsibility, and innovation. This event proves that, with the right tools and opportunities, young minds can address local challenges while contributing to a larger vision of a better Mumbai,” Pathak said.
Participants used Pi Jam’s Code Mitra app, a contextualized and gamified learning platform, to complete hackathon activities. A specialized module, developed in collaboration with the Dabbawalas, encouraged students to identify pressing problems and develop creative solutions.
Arijit Pal Choudhury, MD, Head of HR, Corporate Communications & Sustainability, Nomura Services, India, said, “The Mumbai Hackathon underscores the transformative power of inclusive education and creativity. Seeing these projects developed by future changemakers fills me with immense hope for a better tomorrow. By equipping students with real-world problem-solving experiences, we are not just fostering innovation but also building a foundation for a progressive and equitable society. Congratulations to all the participants.”
From affordable waste management systems to innovative mobile apps addressing transportation issues, the showcased projects demonstrated students’ ability to combine hands-on practicality with innovative thinking. The event was a testament to the transformative power of education, collaboration, and creativity.
The Mumbai Hackathon not only served as a platform for students to display their ingenuity but also provided them with valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. The event allowed students to interact with experts and gain feedback, further empowering them to pursue their passions for innovation and problem-solving.
Pi Jam Foundation is an impact-driven non-profit organisation founded to democratise 21st-century future skills in India. Over the past seven years, Pi Jam Foundation has empowered over 5,00,000 students and 5,600 educators by enabling access to high-quality 21st-century skills learning ecosystems across system levels. Pi Jam Foundation operates across four states — Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh — as well as the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir, reaching diverse communities with innovative, culturally responsive solutions.
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