E-commerce company Amazon India on Monday launched Amazon Smbhav Hackathon 2024 to generate new technology and AI-back solutions for small and medium businesses (SMBs) in e-commerce. Part of the company’s upcoming annual flagship summit Amazon Smbhav 2024, Amazon India said it has partnered with Startup India, DPIIT, National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, and NIF Incubation and Entrepreneurship Council (NIFientreC) to connect with innovators across the country.
Open for Indian citizens above 18 years of age, including students, entrepreneurs, grassroots innovators, service providers, working professionals, SMBs, and the broader ecommerce ecosystem, the hackathon aims to address challenges in the e-commerce sector for SMBs such as leveraging social media for product listings, streamlining multi-channel fulfillment, simplifying cross-border trade, and developing sustainable solutions for e-commerce.
Speaking on the hackathon, Dr. Jitendra Singh, MoS Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, MoS (I/C) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said the hackathon presents a transformative opportunity for grassroots innovators, students, entrepreneurs, professionals, and SMBs across India to unleash their creativity and shape the future of e-commerce.
The hackathon, starting with idea submission to prototype development and culminating in a demo day, will offer participants mentoring. The top three teams will compete for an exclusive visit to Amazon’s Seattle headquarters and cash prizes worth up to Rs 10 lakh.
“The e-commerce industry is rapidly evolving, and so are the needs of small businesses looking to digitize and scale. It’s crucial that we continuously innovate to enable entrepreneurs with tailored solutions that solve their unique challenges. The Amazon Smbhav Hackathon aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across India,” said Amit Nanda, Director, Selling Partner Services, Amazon India.
Applications for the hackathon opened on October 14 and will close on November 14. Winners will be announced at Amazon Smbhav 2024 on December 10.