Over 7,000 people participated in HackMITWPU 2025, a three-day hackathon organized by MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, which effectively promoted creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. With fourteen different sessions, the event acted as a springboard for innovative concepts, connecting industry and academia to tackle pressing issues.
Photo credit – Joshua Abraham
The theme for this year, “?? ?????” (Le Chhallang), or “The Leap of Faith,” urged participants to push the limits of technology and entrepreneurship, move outside of their comfort zones, and question accepted wisdom.
Students had the chance to put their knowledge in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space technology, pharmaceuticals, and other topics to use through a variety of competitions, such as Ideathon, Workathon, Capture the Flag, Pharmathon, Bio-Thon, Hack-AI-Thon, and Data Quest.
Participants in the hackathon worked on high-impact problems and created creative solutions that were assessed by a panel of more than 450 academics, researchers, and industry experts. Projects covered a wide range of fields, including blockchain, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and healthcare.
Prof. Prakash B. Joshi, Founder Trustee of MIT and Director of MIT-TBI; Dr. R.M. Chitnis, Vice-Chancellor of MIT-WPU; and Dr. Milind Pande, Pro-Vice Chancellor of MIT-WPU and Chief Convener of HackMIT-WPU, provided guidance to students throughout the event.
Dr. R.M. Chitnis stated, “TheAI Research Institute, Robotics and Automation Engineering Center, and Blockchain Centre of Excellence played a crucial role in mentoring students and providing access to the infrastructure. Several standout projects emerged from the event, including Chem-E-Car, a chemically powered shoebox-sized vehicle that runs solely on chemical energy, and STeRG (Space Technology Research Group), which focused on advancements in spacecraft systems.”
Other noteworthy initiatives, like Team Phoenix’s autonomous drone technology, Team Skytroopers’ aeromodeling breakthroughs, and Team Drifters’ Formula 1-inspired combustion vehicle “Primus,” allowed students to broaden their perspectives, push themselves beyond their comfort zones, and take a genuine leap of faith,” Dr. Milind Pande continued.
Photo credit – Joshua Abraham
Additionally, the event served as a venue for senior project displays, where students showcased their research in fields like as electronics, robotics, civil engineering, and more. This gave younger students a useful understanding of how their coursework is used in the real world.
Furthermore, the hackathon provided promising concepts with coaching, incubation chances, and possible money; a few teams were given up to INR1 lakh in cash to advance their prototypes.
By effectively bridging the gap between academia and industry, the event gave students practical experience and the skills they need to succeed in the rapidly changing technological landscape.
