Smart governance is not limited to policies and administration only; It is about ideas that bring real changes on the ground. This was stated by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena at the grand closing ceremony of ‘Smart Delhi Ideathon 2025’ organized by IP University. The competition was organized in Delhi to find solutions for urban challenges like traffic jams, waste management problems, air pollution, water crisis and safety of women.
It is commendable to win the competition, but to contribute to Delhi’s progress is the real achievement. This is the beginning of a major change – where governance, education and innovation together will work to create a better Delhi. We have to move forward with resolve, adopt innovation and work with a resolve to implement ideas. The Lieutenant Governor appealed to more than 1300 students present in Vigyan Bhavan to move in this direction.
Winner of Ideathon:
Ideters, survival and MBCL (Mahila Bachao Chashma Pahano) were declared the winner of ‘Smart Delhi Ideathon 2025’. The first prize winning team was awarded a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh with the Lieutenant Governor Trophy. Second and third prize winning teams were given a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively along with the trophy. Additionally, Rs 20,000/- each was given as seven consolation prizes. Each theme was given prizes of Rs 10,000/- and Rs 7,000/- respectively to teams coming to third and fourth.
The purpose of ‘Smart Delhi Ideathon 2025’ was to provide a platform to some of the most talented young minds, so that they could find solutions to urban problems with innovation, technology and new approaches.
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Vice Chancellor Padma Shri Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma thanked the students of Delhi, saying that he took this competition not only as a competition, but as a social responsibility. He said that this competition was held in three phases. A total of 1008 entries were received in it, out of which only 148 could reach the second round and finally 10 teams were successful in presenting their views in the final round. He said that the solution to these problems is not an alternative, but an imperative to ensure a continuous and progressive future.
Traffic jams and parking problems have long been a major challenge for cities, which increases delays, stress and pollution. In this competition, a solution called Traffic Hive was presented, which will ensure easy traffic in the city by synchronizing traffic signals and by giving information about parking in real time.
Garbage management is also a serious problem, where thousands of tonnes of garbage accumulates daily. Young innovyers presented AI-based models, which promote the separation of waste at the source itself. It used smart bin, gameification and digital incentives to ensure public participation.
To deal with air pollution, genetically advanced algae panel -based biological air purification system was suggested, which could absorb several times more pollutants than traditional methods.
Considering women safety, AI-competent smart glass was introduced, which can send crisis signs in real time. In addition, predictive-based crime analysis techniques were proposed through CCTV surveillance and IOT sensors, which will help increase safety and law enforcement efficiency.
Competition and cooperation:
The initiative was supported by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and was organized in collaboration with the university’s incubation and innovation funds and AICTE Idea Lab. Coordination of this program Prof. Amit Prakash Singh and Prof. Ajay Singholi did it. Delhi Chief Secretary Dharmendra, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor Ashish Kundra, Principal Secretary of Higher Education Department Nandini Paliwal, and Vice Chancellor of all universities run by the Government of Delhi were present on the occasion.