Dr. Neeraj Mittal Launches ITU-WTSA-24 Hackathon 'AI Bharat 5G/6G Sandbox'

Dr. Mittal emphasized the collaborative effort between ITU and the DoT to spur innovation and creativity among emerging tech leaders.

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), officially launched the ITU-WTSA-24 Hackathon “AI Bharat 5G/6G Sandbox” on Wednesday. This international Hackathon, a significant side event of the forthcoming World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24), is set to take place in New Delhi from October 15-24, 2024.

The launch event was attended by prominent figures, including Frederic Werner, Head of Strategic Engagement at ITU, and experts from IIT Delhi. Dr. Mittal emphasized the collaborative effort between ITU and the DoT to spur innovation and creativity among emerging tech leaders.

In his keynote address, Dr. Mittal highlighted the Hackathon as more than just a competition. He described it as a platform for young innovators to bring their ideas to life and make a meaningful impact on society. “Together, we have the opportunity to inspire and empower young minds to create solutions that will shape our world,” he stated.

The “AI Bharat 5G/6G Sandbox” Hackathon aims to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the development of next-generation communication networks. Dr. Mittal welcomed participants from India and around the world, noting the event’s potential to bring together experts, students, mentors, startups, and industry leaders to tackle practical challenges in applying AI/ML to network applications and services.

The session also featured contributions from key figures including Prof. Jayadeva of IIT Delhi and senior officials from the DoT, including DDG (International Relations) and DDG (Standards R&D Innovation).

This Hackathon underscores the DoT’s commitment to fostering innovation and advancing technology in the telecommunications sector, setting the stage for groundbreaking developments in AI and next-gen networks.