- Student teams from 41 educational institutions displayed their AI and Cloud-powered solutions, spotlighting the future of digital transformation
Edunet Foundation, a leading non-profit working in the area of skilling, livelihood enhancement and STEM education, in collaboration with IBM, successfully hosted the IBM SkillsBuild Hackathon in Pune recently. The event highlighted the transformative power of technology-driven education and project-based learning.
The hackathon began with an inaugural address by Kush Tripathi, Associate Director of Programme Management, Edunet Foundation, followed by a ceremonial lamp lighting by dignitaries from IBM, Edunet Foundation, and senior officials from the Maharashtra State government.
A total of 72 teams from 41 institutes across Maharashtra participated in this state-level hackathon. Over the course of seven weeks, students engaged in virtual mentoring sessions and developed innovative projects using IBM Cloud tools, including Watson Studio, Watson Assistant, and AutoAI.
The top three teams presented groundbreaking projects, demonstrating creative and practical solutions to real-world challenges. Their compelling presentations showcased technical expertise, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities.
The faculty mentors played an important role in guiding all teams through their Hackathon journey. Their invaluable contributions were recognised during a special segment, “Hackathon Journey: Faculty Experience Share,” which highlighted the importance of collaborative guidance in driving innovation.
Through the IBM SkillsBuild programme, Edunet has equipped thousands of students across India with cutting-edge skills in AI, Cloud Computing, Data Science and Cybersecurity, preparing them for the evolving digital economy. The programme has expanded to over 70 institutes across 12 Indian states, providing hands-on experience through project-based learning, boot camps, and industry-aligned workshops.
The success of the IBM SkillsBuild Hackathon 2025 brings to the fore IBM and Edunet Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech workforce and leaders. By equipping students with practical skills and industry exposure, the initiative is shaping a brighter, technology-driven future.
