HAB-59 launched: Response of Indian Universities to Chinese 59 APP Youth Contribution to Atma-nirbhar Bharat
Pune 10 July 2020 - The recent announcement of Government of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi that banned 59 Chinese apps, has opened the doors and unlocked the opportunity for India’s youth to deploy their soft power in very focused ways. Prime minister’s thought- “Going Vocal about Local to become Global should be India’s mantra”- needs to be personified into self-sufficient technology solutions thereby strengthening the country’s economy.
Taking cognizance of this need, TERRE Policy Centre-an international NGO and MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Rajbaug, loni kalbhor, Pune have forged the partnership and launched the online ‘Hackathon 59 for Atmanirbhar Bharat 2020 (HAB-59)’. It aims to reach out to young Indian tech-geeks who have a thirst and resolve to innovate, and who have keen desire to unleash their potential with the fervour. It is directed to leverage India’s young talent for national good and service, at the time when it is required the most. Dr. Mangesh Karad, Executive President, MIT ADT University quotes, in virtual press conference. “Making it in India is like respecting the local talents to develop better than global-quality products and service”. Dr. Karad said. MIT ADT University- one of the top-ranking universities in India engaged in skilling the students in Technology, Designs and Art. Having collaboration with renowned universities around the world, it has prioritized to provide integrated and value-added education to youth.
The counterpart organization, TERRE Policy Centre, is engaged, among other environmental issues, with the network of global universities (Smart Campus Cloud Network-SCCN) for implementation of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is partnering with six UN organizations. When asked about the intent behind this Hackathon, Dr. Rajendra Shende- Chairman TERRE Policy Centre- expressed that, “The power of technology can be harnessed for social and environmental cause by challenging the potential of youth”. Dr Shende believes that such competitive platforms can produce multiple solutions for the nation’s problem statements.
Objectives of HAB-59:
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To provide platform to young Indian talented groups in application development for IT-based solutions in multiple categories of 59 Chinese apps banned by the Government of India (GoI)
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To identify potential to secure applications that not only compete but work much better than those banned by GoI
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Connect the young talents with Ministries, Industries, and financial institutions for Entrepreneur opportunities
The teams of young developers will develop and submit applications in the broad categories of Social Applications, Business Application and Office Productivity, Health, e- Learning, Entertainment and Games-based on thrust areas for innovation. These apps are expected to be more secure and user appealing as compared to those banned by GoI.
The final round of HAB-59 will be hosted online on 13th Aug 2020 and 14th Aug 2020. In addition to cash prizes, the hackathon promises opportunities to set Start-up with AIC-MIT ADT University, Pune, to work as interns, project leaders and social entrepreneurs with TERRE Policy Centre and to connect winners with industries and financial institutes for commercialization with speed.
Note for editors:
TERRE Policy Centre (www.terrepolicycentre.com) is a non-profit, non-partisan and independent organization dedicated to sustainable solutions to our developmental imperatives. TERRE also is the abbreviation for ‘Technology, Education, Research and Rehabilitation for the Environment.’ TERRE strives to reach all strata of society, particularly the young generation and people at the bottom of the pyramid with capacity building tools on energy and food security. Its motto is: "To think is good but to act is better”. SCCN (www.sccnhub.com) facilitates colleges and universities to mainstream the future policy-makers and policy-implementers in implementing the SDGs by promoting sharing of the information on transformative actions undertaken by students and faculties in the campus. More importantly, it encourages to deploy the digital technologies like IoT (Internet of Thing), AI (Artificial Intelligence), Cloud-networking, Machine-to-machine learning and Block chain for optimum use of energy, water in campus and catalyse effective waste management, sustainable transport, air pollution and nature conservation within the campus.
MIT Art Design and Technology University (MIT ADT University) is a place where creativity and innovation coexist. MIT ADT has been established under the flagship of the prestigious MIT Group of Institutions. It is a UGC recognized multidisciplinary University and has been bestowed with the ‘Best Campus Award’ by ASSOCHAM. MIT ADT spans across a vast green stretch of 125 acres of land at Vishwaraj Baugh Loni, Kalbhor, Pune.
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