Tata Technologies launches 2nd edition of InnoVent Hackathon with Microsoft and Tata Motors

Tata Technologies, a global leader in product engineering and digital services, in collaboration with Microsoft and Tata Motors, has announced the launch of the 2nd edition of the Tata Technologies InnoVent Hackathon. This initiative aims to engage engineering students across India, providing a platform for showcasing creativity and innovation in addressing challenges in the manufacturing industry.

The 2024 InnoVent Hackathon emphasizes Generative AI-enabled innovations that can enhance the product development value chain, including aspects of product engineering, manufacturing, and customer experience. Tata Technologies commits to empowering the top project teams with the necessary tools and technologies to develop scalable solutions. Subject Matter Experts from Tata Technologies will mentor these teams, while Microsoft will provide complimentary access to Azure resources and mentorship through the Azure community. Tata Motors will contribute by defining real-world challenges and supporting the commercialization of the top projects.

Open to 3rd and 4th-year engineering students across India, the hackathon encourages inclusive participation by inviting entries from women engineers and differently-abled team members. This approach reinforces Tata Technologies’ commitment to diversity and inclusion within the tech community.

The evaluation of projects will occur in three stages: initial reviews, virtual Proof of Concept (PoC) presentations, and final demonstrations. Projects will be assessed based on criteria including diversity, novelty, feasibility, and impact. The top three winning teams will receive cumulative cash prizes worth INR 4.5 lakhs and paid internship opportunities at Tata Technologies.

Warren Harris, MD and CEO of Tata Technologies, expressed his excitement about the initiative, “Tata Technologies InnoVent embodies our commitment to engineering a better world for our youth. We aim to provide young innovators with a platform to develop novel solutions leveraging Generative AI and help them translate their ideas into reality.”

Ms. Himani Agrawal, Country Head – Azure, Microsoft India and South Asia, highlighted Microsoft’s involvement, “By providing a scalable Gen AI Azure environment and access to the wider Azure community, we aim to help students accelerate the development of their innovations.”

Mr. Sven Patuschka, Chief Technology Officer at Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, commented on the technological advancements, “Generative AI is revolutionizing product design for enhanced customer experiences. We are excited to partner with Tata Technologies for the InnoVent Hackathon to foster innovations addressing real-world challenges.”

The InnoVent Hackathon 2024 offers a unique opportunity for engineering students to leverage technology, innovate solutions, and potentially transform the manufacturing industry. By focusing on Generative AI, the hackathon underscores the transformative potential for the future of manufacturing and highlights the importance of nurturing fresh ideas from young minds.