New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday launched the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, a nationwide initiative to promote innovation and problem-solving among school students.

Organised by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission (NITI Aayog) and AICTE, the programme is billed as the country's largest-ever school hackathon.

Unveiling the jingle and logo of the initiative, Pradhan said the Buildathon would spark an “innovation renaissance” and strengthen the culture of creativity at the grassroots. He said the initiative would encourage students to develop solutions on themes including 'Vocal for Local', Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi and Samriddhi.

The Buildathon, which opened for student registration on September 23, will culminate in January 2026 with the felicitation of over 1,000 winners. Students will submit ideas and prototypes through the official portal, with a live synchronized innovation event scheduled on October 13. Entries will be evaluated by experts between November and December.

Highlighting its objectives, officials said the programme seeks to inspire young innovators, promote self-reliance and sustainable growth, and showcase India as a global hub of innovation. It builds upon the School Innovation Marathon 2024, which led to initiatives like the Student Innovator Programme and Student Entrepreneurship Programme.

Senior officials including DoSEL Secretary Sanjay Kumar, AICTE Chairman Prof. T G Sitharam, AICTE Vice-Chairman Dr. Abhay Jere, and AIM Mission Director Deepak Bagla attended the launch event.

A video presentation showcased the themes and aspirations of the Buildathon.