Union Ministry of Education launched Viksit Bharat Buildathon (VBB) 2025 in New Delhi, marking India’s largest synchronized innovation hackathon for school students. Over 3 lakh schools participated simultaneously, making it a nationwide innovation drive aimed at fostering creativity, problem-solving, and design thinking among young learners.
The Buildathon seeks to transform innovation into a mass movement, connecting schools from rural villages to urban metros, and nurturing future-ready innovators aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Organisers and Collaborators
Organised by:
- Ministry of Education, Government of India
- In collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and NITI Aayog
Objective:
- To promote grassroots innovation, design thinking, and experiential learning in schools through collaborative projects that address real-world challenges.
Live Access:
The Buildathon was live-streamed nationwide through official portals: vbb.mic.gov.in and schoolinnovationmarathon.org allowing students, teachers, and mentors to participate virtually, collaborate, and submit innovative ideas in real-time.
Vision and Purpose
The Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 is not merely a competition — it’s a national innovation movement to prepare students for future challenges.
It emphasizes:
- Experimentation and curiosity-driven learning
- Teamwork and mentorship
- Problem-solving aligned with India’s development goals
- Fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance in school ecosystems
Core Themes of VBB 2025
The Buildathon focuses on four national themes, each reflecting a pillar of India’s growth vision:
| Theme | Focus Area | Objective |
| Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) | Building self-sufficient systems, tools, and technologies | Promote indigenous, sustainable, and scalable innovation |
| Swadeshi (Indigenous Innovation) | Reviving native knowledge and technology | Encourage use of local wisdom and homegrown tech ideas |
| Vocal for Local | Promoting local products and crafts | Boost rural industries and local entrepreneurship |
| Samriddh Bharat (Prosperous India) | Fostering economic and sustainable development | Create solutions for agriculture, livelihoods, and sustainability |
Through these themes, the initiative aligns student-led innovation with India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Prizes and Recognition
To inspire large-scale participation and reward excellence, a ₹1 crore prize pool has been announced. Recognition will be provided at district, state, and national levels:
| Level | Number of Winners | Recognition |
| National Level | 10 | Best innovative ideas across India |
| State Level | 100 | Top innovations from each state |
| District Level | 1,000 | Recognition for grassroots innovators |
These prizes will motivate students and schools to think creatively, collaborate meaningfully, and apply innovation for societal improvement.
Significance
- Empowers over 3 lakh schools to participate in structured innovation activities.
- Encourages rural inclusion by digitally connecting remote schools.
- Promotes STEM-based learning, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.
- Supports Skill India and Digital India missions by nurturing early innovation habits.
- Contributes to India’s broader goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat@2047.
Key Facts
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM):
- Launched by NITI Aayog in 2016.
- Objective: Promote innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), Atal Incubation Centres, and Mentor India Network.
NITI Aayog:
- Established: 1 January 2015, replacing the Planning Commission.
- Full form: National Institution for Transforming India.
- Chairperson: Prime Minister of India.
- Focus: Policy think tank for sustainable development and cooperative federalism.
Viksit Bharat@2047:
- National vision to make India a developed nation by 2047, the centenary of independence.
- Focus areas: Inclusive growth, digital innovation, sustainability, and global leadership.
Hackathon:
- Derived from “hack” (problem-solving) + “marathon.”
- A time-bound innovation challenge where participants collaborate to design and develop practical solutions.