Sri Vijaya Puram | February 2, 2026
The Directorate of Industries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, successfully concluded a two-day Hackathon and Startup Pitching Competition with a grand valedictory function held on January 31, 2026. Organised under the Startup India initiative and as part of the ‘Celebration of Innovation Month’, the event aimed to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among students of higher education institutions across the islands.
Held on January 30 and 31, the competition provided a platform for students to pitch innovative and practical solutions to address local challenges, with a special focus on sustainability and island-specific needs.
The valedictory function was graced by Mr. Atul Soni, Director of Industries, A&N Administration; Mr. Ummer Farooque, Chief Manager, UTLBC; Mr. Rakesh Pangat, Deputy General Manager, NABARD; Mr. Ajit Anand, Deputy Director, Directorate of Industries; and Mr. Mohammed Ishaque, Deputy Director, Directorate of Industries.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Atul Soni reaffirmed the commitment of the Industries Department towards nurturing young innovators in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He highlighted the significant potential of student-led ideas in driving sustainable local startups and expressed gratitude to the participants, judges, dignitaries and partner organisations for the successful conduct of the event.
As part of the programme, Mr. Vijay Kumar, Senior Sanitary Inspector, Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC), along with the Swachhta Maargdarshak Team of SVPMC, conducted a session on effective waste management techniques. The session provided participants with practical insights into sustainable waste management practices, aligning with the overall theme of innovation and sustainability.
In the competition, the top position was secured by the team from Tagore Government College of Education, comprising Hriday Das, C. Mohammed Jasheem and Samrat Dasgupta. The second position was won by the team from Pondicherry University, consisting of Alex Jaison, Ms. Nalli Akanksha, Manoj Kumar, Praveen S and Shashank Singh, while the third position went to the team from Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, represented by Ms. Deepika Baraik and Tarun Saha. The winning teams were awarded certificates in recognition of their innovative ideas and solutions focused on island sustainability.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Shahid Khan, Assistant Director (Technical), Directorate of Industries.
