PM Shri School, Mizoram, secured the first position in the SAMARTH Northeast Innovation Hackathon 2026 organised by NIELIT Kohima. PM Shri School, Thahekhu, Dimapur, finished second, while Jalukbari Higher Secondary School, Guwahati, claimed third. All remaining participants received consolation prizes.
Funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, the hackathon brought together top student teams from all eight northeastern states to present innovative solutions in artificial intelligence, robotics, electronics and digital technologies. The initiative aims to promote innovation, problem-solving and hands-on learning among school students.
SAMARTH (Students Advancing Mindsets in AI, Robotics, Technology and Digital Hardware) is a flagship programme of NIELIT Kohima, covering all eight northeastern states and focusing on equipping young minds with future-ready skills.
The closing ceremony was held on April 11 at the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Kohima. According to a DIPR report, Principal Director, School Education, Shashank Pratap Singh, IAS, graced the occasion as Special Guest.
In his address, he assured full support from the School Education Department and described the hackathon as an acknowledgement of NIELIT Kohima’s dedicated efforts.
He emphasised that hackathons are more about collaboration than competition, and appreciated the practical ideas presented by young innovators. Singh highlighted the importance of clarity of thought, urging that innovations must aim to solve real societal problems, and stressed the need for energy-efficient solutions.
He added that collaborative efforts among youth would make innovations highly relevant to society, particularly when addressing local issues.
Director, NIELIT Assam & Nagaland, L. Lanuwabang, in his speech, said every innovation begins with a simple idea and grows into significant products. He explained that the SAMARTH approach starts at the school level, focusing on converting theory into practical solutions. He noted that in today’s AI-driven generation, innovation lies in creating small solutions with maximum features. He expressed happiness that the initiative began in the Northeast and aims to scale up nationally. He further stated that one of SAMARTH’s key objectives is to map each student’s potential, understanding their calibre, strengths, and analytical abilities.
The programme also featured a welcome address by Additional Director, NIELIT, Daniel Meren, and presentations by students on innovation, AIoT, and robotics. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Joint Director, NIELIT Kohima, Dr. Monita Wahengbam.
