New Delhi, Feb 4 (Represesntative) Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena said good goverance, academia and innovation can build a better Delhi. Smart governance is not just about policies and administration; it is about ideas that bring real change on the ground, said the Lieutenant Governor at the grand finale of IP University’s ‘Smart Delhi Ideathon 2025’. The competition was organized to find solutions to various urban challenges in Delhi under the themes of traffic congestion, waste mismanagement, air pollution, water scarcity, and safety concerns for women. Winning a competition is commendable, but contributing to the progress of Delhi is the true achievement. This is the beginning of something bigger—an approach where governance, academia, and innovation come together to build a better Delhi. Let us move forward with commitment, with innovation, and with the resolve to turn ideas into action, appealed LG to a crowd of over 1300 students at Vigyan Bhavan. The Ideators, Astitva and MBCL (Mahila Bachao Chasma Lagao) were adjudged as the winners of Smart Delhi Ideathon 2025. The first prize-winning team received the LG Trophy along with a prize of Rs 5 lakh. The second and third prize-winning teams received the Trophy along with cash prizes of Rs 3 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively. Seven cosolation prizes worth 20000/- each were also awarded. The 3rd & 4th positions from all 5 themes were awarded 10000/- & 7000/- each. The Smart Delhi Ideathon 2025 aimed to provide a stage for some of the brightest young minds to tackle pressing urban challenges with innovation, technology, and fresh perspectives. The University Vice Chancellor, Padma Shri Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma expressed gratitude to the students of Delhi, saying that they took this as a competition as well as a social responsibility.
He said that the competition was held in three rounds. In all over 1008 entries were made, of which only 148 could make it to second round and finally 10 of them displayed their ideas in the final round. Addressing these issues is not an option; it is a necessity for ensuring a sustainable and progressive future.Traffic congestion and parking challenges have long plagued cities, causing delays, stress, and pollution. Among the remarkable solutions presented, Traffic Hive, aimed to optimize urban mobility by synchronizing signals and providing real-time parking insights, ensuring smoother commutes and better traffic regulation. Waste management was another pressing concern, with thousands of tonnes of garbage piling up daily. Young innovators presented AI-driven models that encourage waste segregation at the source, incorporating smart bins, gamification, and digital incentives to encourage public participation. Biological air purification systems using genetically enhanced algae panels, which absorb pollutants at a rate significantly higher than traditional methods was also suggested.Ideas such as AI-integrated smart glasses with real-time distress signals and predictive crime analytics using CCTV surveillance and IoT sensors were proposed, offering practical ways to enhance security and law enforcement efficiency. This initiative, supported by IP University, was organized by its Incubation and Innovation Fund and AICTE Idea Lab. The program was coordinated by Prof. Amit Prakash Singh and Prof Ajay Singholi. Delhi Chief Secretary Shri Dharmendra, Principal Secretary to LG Shri Ashish Kundra, Principal Secretary Higher Education Ms Nandini Paliwal, and all the vice chancellors of Delhi Government run universities were present on the occasion.