Technology Business Incubator Foundation, IIT Ropar Officially Launches “SWITCH INDIA HACKATHON 2025”

The Technology Business Incubator Foundation (TBIF) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar announced the official launch of SWITCH INDIA HACKATHON 2025, a national platform designed to identify and promote India’s most promising deep-tech innovators and startups. Organized with the generous support of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and in collaboration with SWITCH Singapore, the initiative seeks to provide Indian entrepreneurs a global stage to showcase innovation and technological excellence.

The SWITCH INDIA HACKATHON 2025 will follow a structured multiphase process, start June 2025 and culminate in October 2025. These include:  Call for Applications, Screening and Shortlisting, final jury selection, preparation & promotion and Representation at SWITCH 2025.

Selected through a rigorous nationwide process involving regional rounds, expert evaluation, and mentorship, eight high-potential startups will form the SWITCH INDIA Pavilion 2025, representing India at SWITCH 2025, to be held from October 29–31, 2025, at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Startups will span sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Biotech, Clean Energy, Space Technology, and more.

In addition, one startup will earn a wild card entry to SLINGSHOT 2025, one of the world’s foremost global pitching competitions. Finalists will compete for Startup SG Grants totalling up to SGD 2.1 million, alongside unparalleled exposure to venture capitalists, corporate leaders, and global innovation networks.

Professor Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar and Chairman of Technology Business Incubator Foundation, shared his vision behind the initiative:

“SWITCH INDIA HACKATHON 2025 is a step forward in connecting India’s innovation potential with global opportunities. It reflects the  commitment and mission of IIT Ropar to grow through Research and Innovation thereby empowering Indian entrepreneurs and showcasing their capabilities on the world stage. 

We extend our sincere thanks to the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, for sponsoring this initiative, and to SWITCH Singapore for their continued support in building international bridges for innovation.” Mr. Satyam Sarma, CEO, TBIF – IIT Ropar, emphasized the deeper purpose of the hackathon: SWITCH INDIA HACKATHON 2025 is not just a competition, but a national mission to equip startups with the exposure, confidence, and networks they need to solve real-world problems at scale.

The India Pavilion at SWITCH 2025 is expected to deliver significant economic, strategic, and knowledge-based gains. By connecting Indian startups with global markets, international investors, and policy influencers, the program aims to catalyze high-impact funding, global partnerships, and export-led growth. Selected startups will benefit from mentorship by global experts and direct access to Singapore’s innovation ecosystem, aiding their scale-up journey.

About IIT Ropar TBIF

Established in 2016 and supported by NIDHI TBI Scheme of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, the Technology Business Incubator Foundation at IIT Ropar is committed to nurturing innovation and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

About SWITCH

The Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) is a premier global platform- an initiative organised by Enterprise Singapore and supported by the National Research Foundation Singapore of the Prime Minister’s Office that convenes leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors from the Global-Asia innovation ecosystem.

SWITCH promotes cross-sector collaboration and focuses on future-ready domains such as healthcare, smart cities, connectivity, and sustainable technologies.