International Innovation Challenge IIC 3.0 Inaugurated at Manipal University Jaipur
The Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, in collaboration with Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), launched the International Innovation Challenge (IIC) 3.0, a 36‑hour innovation and entrepreneurship competition aimed at developing technology‑driven solutions for societal and industry challenges. The inaugural ceremony featured MUJ Registrar Dr. Amit Soni, Dean Prof. Vijaypal Singh Dhaka, and Chief Guest Mr. Virendra Chaudhary, Director of First India News, who opened the problem statement.
A total of 259 teams, representing more than 900 registered students, took part in the first round. Of these, 154 teams were from MUJ and 105 teams hailed from institutions across 15 Indian states, encompassing over 70 universities and colleges, including premier institutes such as IIT Bombay, IIT Jodhpur and NIT Lucknow. The participants worked on solutions across ten thematic areas: EdTech, HealthTech, FinTech, AgriTech, Cybersecurity, Women and Child Safety, Aerotech and Aerospace Innovation, Transportation and Mobility, and Smart Cities and Urban Development.
The challenge was co‑powered by Indian firms Mahindra & Mahindra Pvt. Ltd., Unstop, mlHealth 360 Pvt. Ltd., and supported by ICAR, Mysore. Additional partners included MongoDB, InterviewBuddy, Internshala and Code Crafters. An experienced panel of mentors and judges, comprising Indian industry professionals such as Mr. Ankit Jha (Founder, Awarno Technologies), Ms. Swati Bansal (SDE, Amazon), Ms. Nandini Sharma (Founder, Aparajita Foundation) and Mr. Prince Yadav (SDE, GreyOrange), evaluated the submissions.
Cash awards were announced for the top three teams: Rs 1 lakh for the first‑place winner, Rs 75,000 for second place and Rs 50,000 for third place. Winners also received goodies and opportunities for paid internships.
Excluded Content: The press release also mentioned an international team from Italy and foreign mentors from Italy and the United Kingdom. These elements have been omitted from this summary as they are not India‑specific.
The event underscores MUJ’s effort to foster a vibrant ecosystem for innovation, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainable development among young Indian innovators.