Mumbai Hacks ‘24, a generative AI hackathon held at ATLAS SkillTech University in Mumbai’s bustling Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), has officially secured a place in history. It achieved a Guinness World Record as the largest generative AI hackathon. The two-day event, held on October 25th and 26th, brought together an impressive 1,460 participants, setting a new standard for collaboration and innovation in artificial intelligence. This achievement marked a global milestone and underscored Mumbai's growing role as a hub for tech innovation.

Co-hosted by the Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai (TEAM) and Made in Mumbai, and supported by industry giants such as Meta, NVIDIA, Quantiphi, and ATLAS SkillTech University, Mumbai Hacks ‘24 attracted a near-astonishing 3,000 registrations. Following a rigorous selection process, the final roster of 1,460 hackers worked to redefine the landscape of generative AI. This feat broke the previous record of 1,130 participants, set by Google Cloud and Formula E in London earlier this year.

The hackathon’s impact extends beyond numbers, reflecting the city’s leadership in fostering high-tech talent and the generative AI ecosystem. With participants from diverse technical backgrounds—from developers and engineers to innovators and thought leaders—the event offered a unique platform to explore AI’s potential in addressing some of today’s most pressing issues.

This year’s hackathon theme, inspired by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang’s recent visit to Mumbai, centred around real-world challenges. With 398 project submissions, participants tackled critical issues in financial inclusion, public safety, and more, demonstrating generative AI’s transformative potential. Among the innovative entries were solutions such as AI-powered platforms for financial inclusion and public safety systems driven by machine learning algorithms to enhance urban security.

Aided by mentorship from over 50 industry experts and leaders, participants gained invaluable insights and guidance throughout the event. The hackathon also featured a competitive ₹12 lakh prize pool, offering teams a chance to pitch their ideas to a distinguished panel of industry and technology leaders. This hands-on experience and mentorship fostered an environment of collaborative learning, empowering participants to push the boundaries of generative AI.

“Breaking the record is not just about the numbers,” stated TEAM spokesperson Arvind Rao. “It’s about what these numbers represent—India’s rapidly growing influence in the global AI space and our commitment to nurturing the next wave of tech talent.”

Mumbai Hacks ‘24 highlights India’s position as a significant force in the global tech ecosystem. Events like these are pivotal in fueling innovation, providing a launchpad for visionary ideas, and addressing societal challenges through AI. This record-setting hackathon solidifies India’s role as a global AI leader, inspiring continued progress in generative AI and beyond.

Source: TEAM X post, TEAM linkedin post

Additional source: Mumbai hacks