• Rural and semi-urban settlements in India continue to experience flooding, waterlogging, and inefficient drainage systems, primarily due to outdated infrastructure and limited spatial data.

• The SVAMITVA Scheme, using drone-based mapping, CORS and GIS technology has successfully demonstrated the power of geospatial technology in village property demarcation and rural planning.

• However, the full potential of drone imagery and AI/ML for automating hydrological modeling, drainage design, and spatial analysis remains largely untapped.

• This challenge seeks to harness AI/ML algorithms to process high-resolution drone datasets, enabling rapid and scalable feature extraction, DTM creation, and drainage mapping.
  The initiative supports India’s broader mission of promoting Digital Governance, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat 2047, by empowering innovators to create indigenous, data-driven solutions for rural and urban planning.

• The Hackathon also provides a collaborative platform to connect students, researchers, startups, and domain experts, fostering innovation through applied learning.

• Hands-on experience with real geospatial datasets

• Skill development on AI/ML + GIS + Hydrological modelling

• National exposure and recognition

• Certificates, Attractive cash prizes

• Opportunity for incubation at IITTNiF

• Chance to collaborate with national geospatial agencies

• Develop AI/ML-based feature extraction models capable of identifying key structures (buildings, roads, water bodies, utilities, etc.) from high-resolution drone orthophotos.

• Create automated DTM and drainage network modeling workflows from point-cloud datasets, improving efficiency in hydrological design and land management.

• Promote innovation and research collaboration among academia, industry, and government to strengthen India’s geospatial intelligence ecosystem.

• Enhance the accuracy, scalability, and reliability of geospatial data processing for rural mapping and planning applications.

• Encourage participants to develop open, interoperable, and scalable geospatial solutions that can be adapted across diverse Indian terrains.

The Hackathon Challenge offers participants a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work with real-world datasets, cutting-edge technologies, and nationally relevant problem statements in the fields of AI, Drone Mapping, and Geospatial Intelligence. Beyond competition, it is a platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation, aimed at nurturing the next generation of technology leaders and problem solvers.

1. Hands-on Experience with Emerging Technologies

• Work directly with drone imagery, point-cloud data, and AI/ML models for feature extraction and terrain analysis.

• Gain exposure to Digital Twin development, spatial analytics, and automation workflows used in modern infrastructure planning.

• Learn practical methods to convert raw data into actionable insights for decision-making in real-world applications.
  
  

2. Skill Development & Knowledge Building

• Strengthen your understanding of Geospatial Intelligence, AI/ML algorithms, and hydrological modeling.

• Acquire industry-relevant skills in data processing, visualization, and predictive modeling, applicable across public and private sectors.

• Build competencies that align with national priorities in Digital India, Smart Cities, and Gati Shakti initiatives.
  
  

3. Mentorship from Experts

• Receive mentorship from domain experts, faculty, and industry leaders.

• Learn best practices in data-driven research, AI deployment, and geospatial application design.

• Gain professional insights into the future of geospatial technologies and AI integration.
  
  

4. Collaboration and Networking

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams from academia, industry, and government organizations.

• Expand your professional network through interactions with innovators, entrepreneurs, and technical experts in the field.

• Discover opportunities for joint research, internships, and industry partnerships beyond the event.

5. Recognition and Awards

• Compete for certificates, cash prizes, and national-level recognition for innovative ideas and technical excellence.

• Get featured in Geo-Intel Lab, IITTNiF’s outreach publications.

• Exceptional teams may be invited to demonstrate their solutions at future national forums and conferences.
  
  

6. Pathway to Incubation and Scale-Up

• Promising ideas and prototypes will be evaluated for incubation under IITTNiF’s Startup and Innovation Program.

• Access advanced laboratory infrastructure, mentorship, and potential funding to further develop and commercialize solutions.

• Receive support in intellectual property (IP) creation, business model development, and pilot implementation.
  
  

7. Contribution to National Missions

• Play a direct role in advancing India’s geospatial innovation ecosystem through technology that serves the public good.

• To Contribute to national programs including SVAMITVA, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat 2047.

• Join a movement that empowers innovators to apply technology for inclusive growth, sustainability, and better governance.

• UG / PG / PhD Students

• Researchers & Faculty

• Startups & Industry Professionals

Team Size

2–5 members per team

1. Problem Statement 1 : Feature Extraction from Drone Images:

i. Develop an AI model capable of identifying key features in orthophotos with high

precision. Use of AI/ML techniques for extraction of the following features from

SVAMITVA Drone Imagery: -

• Building footprint extraction (built-up area from the drone image and classified roof-top based on observation of the imagery as RCC, Tiled, Tin, and Others.

• Road feature extraction

• Waterbodies extraction,

• Distribution Transformer location/ Over-head Tank, well location identification etc.

ii. Achieve a target accuracy of 95% in feature identification.

iii. Optimize the model for efficient processing and deployment.

Input Data

• Drone imagery for 10 villages (training & validation).

• Drone imagery for 10 additional villages (output testing).
  
  

Expected Deliverables

SVAMITVA Scheme drone-images for 10 villages along with feature extracted datasets for 10 villages to train and validate the AI model, and 10 more villages drone data for output testing.

• A fully trained and optimized AI model for feature identification in orthophotos.

• Documentation detailing the model architecture, training process, and deployment guidelines.

• A final report summarizing the project outcomes, including accuracy metrics and recommendations for future improvements.
  
  
  

2. Problem Statement 2: DTM Creation using AI/ML from point cloud data and development of drainage network

To conceptualize and develop a data-driven, DTM using Drone point cloud datasets leveraging AI/ML:

• Delineate natural surface-water flow paths and low-lying zones,

• Predict waterlogging hotspots, and

• Design an optimized, resilient drainage network for densely inhabited village (abadi) areas.
  
  

Input data:

• Point Cloud data for 10 villages

Expected Deliverables

• Automated AI/ML Processing: From point-cloud classification to generate DTM.

• Optimized Drainage Network Design: GIS-ready layers and design parameters.

• Documentation detailing the model architecture, training process, and deployment guidelines.

• A final report summarizing the project outcomes, including accuracy metrics and recommendations for future improvements.

• Winner: ₹1,00,000

• Runner-Up: ₹75,000

• Merit Award: ₹50,000

• Excellence Awards: ₹10,000 × 6 teams

• Recognition Awards: ₹5,000 × 9 teams 

• Development of working prototypes or proof-of-concept models integrating AI/ML, Drones, and GIS.

• Generation of AI-driven digital maps, DTMs, and decision-support systems for real-world applications.

• Creation of an innovation ecosystem connecting academic research with industry needs.
  Strengthening the foundation for digital governance and data-driven infrastructure planning.

• Identification of talent and technology solutions for potential opportunities.