February 28, 2025
Thiruvananthapuram

HIMASHIELD Grand Challenge, organized by C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology research initiatives, successfully concluded on National Science Day on February 28th, 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram. Aimed at fostering innovation in Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) mitigation, the challenge provided a platform for young researchers and innovators to develop indigenous, sustainable solutions to tackle this critical environmental challenge.

Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, emerged as the winner, with BITS Mesra and Wadia Institute, Dehradun, as first runners-up, and IITBhubaneswar as second runners-up.

The winning teams received cash prizes: INR 5 lakh for first place, INR 3 lakh for second place, and INR 2 lakh for third place.

This nationwide grand challenge was launched on August 24th, 2024 by Shri. S Krishnan IAS, Secretary, MeitY. The Himashield competition saw 151 teams in its first phase, from which 30 were selected for the subsequent round, and ultimately, 7 teams battled it out in the final round.

Winners of HimashieldGrand challenge are:

• The Glofsense Team, comprising Venkatesh R, Naveen Krishnaa S, and Nithish T from Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu, won the competition, receiving INR 5 lakhs, a trophy, and certificates.
• The CryoWizards Team, comprising Sourabh Anand from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, and Sunil Mahato, Sudip Banerjee, and Nikita Roy Mukherjee from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, secured the first runners-up position, receiving INR 3 lakhs, a trophy, and certificates.
• The CryoSense Team from IIT Bhubaneswar, comprising Dr. Ashim Sattar, Dr. Sudipta Saha, Dr. Debajyoti Biswas, Abhinav A, Kattamuri Mohan Krishna, and Kartick Cherukuri, secured the second runners-up position, receiving INR 2lakhs, a trophy, and certificates.

Distinguished Experts and Officials Preside Over Award Ceremony

The function began with a welcome speech delivered by Dr. Kalai Selvan A, Director, C-DAC, Thiruvananthapuram.The award ceremony was presided over by Chief Guest Ms. Sunita Verma, Scientist G & Group Coordinator, R&D, MeitY and special invitee Shri. Arvind Kumar, CCA, MeitY. In celebration of Science Day and to initiate community awareness, a series of technical talks were delivered by Dr. D. D. Ray, Former Outstanding Scientist-H, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre; Shri, D. G. Shreshta, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of Sikkim and Dr. Manoj Khare, Scientist-G & Group Head, High-Performance Computing - Earth Science Engineering and Geospatial Applications Group, C-DAC Pune. Shri. Rajesh K R, Scientist G & Group Head, Strategic Electronics Group,C-DAC proposed Vote of Thanks.

About HIMASHIELD Grand Challenge

HIMASHIELD is a grand challenge dedicated to tackling the growing threat of Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) caused by climate change-induced glacier melting. Organized to foster innovation, the challenge provides a platform for researchers, engineers, and innovators to develop cutting-edge solutions for monitoring and managing glacier lakes, designing early warning systems, and implementing effective engineering measures to mitigate flood risks. The goal is to create practical, scalable, and indigenous solutions that can safeguard vulnerable communities, protect critical infrastructure, and enhance disaster resilience. Through this challenge participants are invited to register their teams through the official HIMASHIELD website and submit proposals detailing their innovative systems, capabilities, and societal impact. Entries are evaluated based on innovation, technical feasibility, and real-world applicability. HIMASHIELD is an opportunity for visionary thinkers to push the boundaries of climate resilience and contribute to a safer, more sustainable future.