EMPOWER Hackathon

Overview

EMPOWER is an inter-college hackathon that brings together tech enthusiasts, problem-solvers, and social impact leaders to build innovative solutions addressing real-world social challenges.

Organized by IIM Ahmedabad’s Social Innovation Club (IDEOS), Ashoka University’s Social Impact Club (Anitya), and Ashoka University's CS Society, this event provides a platform for students across disciplines to use technology for social good, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The goal of the hackathon is to develop an implementable business idea that leverages technology for social good, culminating in a functional prototype. Participants will work on solutions that address real-world challenges in areas of social impact. Submissions are free to take any form, for example: AI-driven tools for early disease detection, mobile apps improving financial literacy, open-source platforms for mental health support, IoT solutions for environmental monitoring, or assistive technologies enhancing accessibility.

Hackathon Format

Round 1: Online Idea, Code & Video Submission (Feb 11 – Feb 22, 2025)

• Teams submit their idea pitches along with a partial prototype and a short video explaining their prototype on DevPost, showcasing their chosen problem statement, solution, technical feasibility, and business model. 


• 10 teams will be selected to advance to the final round.

Round 2: Prototype Development & In-Person Finals (March 8, 2025 @ IIMA Campus)

• Finalists will have around 10-12 days to complete the development of their prototypes, with mentorship from IIM Ahmedabad students with a tech background.


• The final pitch and demo will take place at IIM Ahmedabad, followed by a networking lunch and the awards ceremony (with financial support for going to IIMA provided by team EMPOWER).

Open-Ended Problem Statement Approach

Instead of predefined problem statements, teams are encouraged to identify social issues of their own interest and define their own problem statements that they wish to address using technology. This approach promotes entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving mindsets, allowing participants to tackle real-world challenges that matter to them.

Example Problem Statements for Inspiration

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  Real-Time Disaster Response System – Can we build a crowdsourced platform for faster coordination during floods, earthquakes, or wildfires?

  
  


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  AI for Sustainable Agriculture – How can AI help small-scale farmers improve crop yield while reducing environmental damage?

  
  


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  AI-Powered Early Disease Detection – How can AI be used to detect common diseases (e.g., TB, anaemia, skin conditions) in underserved regions?

  
  

(Note: These are just examples. Participants are free to identify their own social issues and solve them.)

Feb. 11, 2025 - Feb. 24, 2025

IIMA

Online

₹ 100,000