• Theme: Ignite to Innovate.
• Date: 05th November 2025 (Wednesday).
• Time: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
• Venue: Seminar Hall, 2nd Floor, ‘A’ Block, GSSSIETW, Mysuru – 16.
• Organized by: DST–iTBI–GSSS Technology Business Incubator Foundation (GSSSTBIF), Mysuru.
• In Association With: GSSS Institute of Engineering and Technology for Women, Mysuru.

The IDEATHON – 2025, with the theme “Ignite to Innovate”, was successfully organized on 05th November 2025 by the DST–iTBI–GSSS Technology Business Incubator Foundation (GSSSTBIF), Mysuru, in association with the GSSS Institute of Engineering and Technology for Women, Mysuru. The event was held at the Seminar Hall, ‘A’ Block, GSSSIETW Campus, Mysuru, and served as a national-level platform for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs to present breakthrough ideas across multiple domains of technology and innovation.

The event received an overwhelming response, with a total of 120 applications, including 86 from Karnataka, 33 from other Indian states, and one international entry. Participants competed in four key domains – Food Processing, Agri-Tech, Healthcare, and Deep Tech – reflecting the interdisciplinary spirit of innovation. After preliminary screening, 78 teams (320 participants) were shortlisted for the first round of presentations, and based on jury evaluations, 58 teams (290 participants) advanced to the final round.

The Inaugural Function of IDEATHON – 2025 commenced at 09:30 AM in the Seminar Hall, A Block, GSSSIETW Campus, Mysuru. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Ms. Salma Moosa, Founder and President of Twelve77 Ventures / Growth Execution Mentor. The event was graced by Smt. Anupama B. Pandit, Director, GSSSTBIF; Dr. M. Shivakumar, Chairman, Governing Body, DST–iTBI–GSSSTBIF; Dr. S. Padmashree, Principal Investigator (PI); and Dr. Hrishikesh A., CEO, DST–iTBI–GSSSTBIF, Mysuru.

In her address, Ms. Salma Moosa spoke about the importance of taking the first step toward entrepreneurship and urged students to move beyond ideation to implementation, becoming job creators rather than job seekers. Smt. Anupama B. Pandit emphasized the importance of nurturing innovation and establishing a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem that enables youth to transform ideas into impactful ventures.

The Valedictory Function was held at 04:00 PM in the same venue. The Chief Guest, Mr. Ram Kevalur, Co-Founder, eCirkle.org, delivered an inspiring address highlighting the “5 I’s” – Inspiration, Ideation, Implementation, Innovation, and Impact. He encouraged students to embrace creativity and innovation as tools for sustainable progress. Dr. Jagannatha Shenoi M., Director, GSSSTBIF, Mysuru, in his Presidential Remarks, spoke about the role of Tier-2 cities in advancing the Viksit Bharat vision through entrepreneurship and innovation. Dr. S. Padmashree, Principal Investigator, DST-iTBI-GSSSTBIF, presented a summary report of the event and appreciated the enthusiastic participation of teams nationwide.

The winners of IDEATHON – 2025 were announced during the Valedictory Ceremony. The First Prize of ₹25,000 was awarded to Team “Bacteria Bunch” from Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering under the Healthcare category, led by Vidwath R. Revankar. The Second Prize of ₹15,000 went to Team “Terra Charge” from Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering under AgriTech, led by Deborah Salomi D, while the Third Prize of ₹10,000 was secured by Team “FoodShield” from PSNA College of Engineering and Technology under Food Processing, led by Rogith P. Cash prizes totaling ₹50,000 and participation certificates were awarded to the winners and all participants.

The event was effectively coordinated by Dr. S. Padmashree (PI), Dr. P. Raviraj (Co-PI), and Dr. Sushma S. J. (Co-PI) of DST–iTBI–GSSSTBIF. The incubation support team comprising Dr. Hrishikesh A. (CEO), Mr. Sanjay Pande S. R. (Incubation Associate), Mr. Jyothir Ganesh K. (Tech Support Associate), Ms. Kusuma B. (Accountant), and Mr. Arun Kumar (Office Assistant) contributed significantly to the successful organization of the event.

Conclusion

The IDEATHON – 2025 provided a vibrant platform for students to present innovative ideas and interact with industry experts and mentors. The event successfully fostered creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking among participants. The program concluded on a positive note, with several promising ideas identified for further support under the DST–iTBI–GSSSTBIF incubation and mentorship programs. Overall, the event was a grand success, fulfilling its vision to Ignite to Innovate and inspiring students to transform their ideas into impactful real-world solutions.

(Dr. Hrishikesh A)                   (Dr. S Padmashree)