Schneider Electric, a global energy technology company, has launched Yuva Yodha, a national technology hackathon aimed at encouraging young Indian innovators to develop practical solutions for the country’s energy transition and sustainability needs. The initiative is designed to connect students with industry experts, real-world challenges and technology resources, helping them turn ideas into solutions that can support a more efficient, resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.
Open to Indian citizens or residents aged 18 years and above who are enrolled as full-time students in India, Yuva Yodha allows participants to compete individually or in teams of up to four members. Students from undergraduate, postgraduate and STEM programmes can participate.
The hackathon will focus on four areas: Sustainable Agriculture, Smart Buildings, Grid Reliability & Renewable Intermittency, and Smart Manufacturing. Participants will be encouraged to develop solutions addressing areas such as energy and water efficiency, renewable energy integration, grid resilience, industrial productivity, automation and sustainability.
Deepak Sharma, Zone President, Greater India, Managing Director and CEO, Schneider Electric India, said India’s economic expansion and energy transition require new ideas and technology-led solutions. He said Yuva Yodha will provide young innovators with an opportunity to work on practical challenges and contribute to the country’s development through energy technology, automation and digitalisation. With the theme “Let Your Big Idea Shape the Future of Energy Tech,” the initiative aims to encourage students to explore new approaches to India’s energy and sustainability challenges.
Niharika Mohan, CHRO, Schneider Electric India, said empowering young Indians to address future energy challenges is an important part of the company’s people and business strategy. She added that Yuva Yodha will provide participants with opportunities to develop their ideas through expert guidance while encouraging creativity, curiosity and problem-solving.
The programme will offer participants access to industry insights, mentorship and opportunities to present their concepts to Schneider Electric leaders and members of the wider innovation ecosystem. The winners will receive significant financial rewards. The Grand Prize is ₹20 lakh, while the Runner-up will receive ₹15 lakh and the Second Runner-up will receive ₹10 lakh.
In addition, the top 10 teams will have an opportunity to present their ideas to Schneider Electric’s leadership and compete for potential funding support from Schneider Electric Ventures. Through Yuva Yodha, Schneider Electric aims to strengthen connections between academia and industry while supporting the development of young talent in energy technology and related fields. The company said the initiative reflects its wider commitment to India’s innovation ecosystem and to developing technologies that can improve energy efficiency, sustainability and resilience.
Schneider Electric is a global energy technology company focused on electrification, automation and digitalisation. Its solutions support buildings, data centres, factories, infrastructure and electricity grids through connected technologies, software and digital services. The company has around 160,000 employees and one million partners across more than 100 countries.
