57 teams compete in NER Tech Hackathon 2025, driving 5G innovation in Northeast India

The NER Tech Hackathon 2025 concluded successfully, bringing together 57 teams from colleges and startups across Northeast India to develop 5G-based solutions. Organized by the North Eastern Regional Community Resource Management Society (NERCORMS) and Amantya Technologies, the event aimed to advance research on 5G applications under a project funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Government of India.

The hackathon provided a platform for innovators to explore real-world applications of 5G technology in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and smart cities. The top honor went to IndiMeat from Guwahati, which secured the Grand Prize of INR 10 Lakhs. Nibiaa Devices from Imphal, Manipur, Nutrexeric, and AgriSure from Guwahati were declared runners-up, winning INR 2 Lakhs each.

Promoting Innovation & Bridging the Digital Divide
The event was inaugurated by Shri Longki Phangcho, Member of NEC, who highlighted the potential of 5G in transforming the Northeast. He emphasized that technology-driven solutions could propel the region toward economic growth and modernization.

"The North East has immense potential for technological growth, and 5G is a key enabler. This hackathon provides a platform for innovators to leverage advanced technologies and build impactful solutions for the region’s future," Phangcho stated.

Industry experts and academicians present at the event included Donald Mawlot, Manager - ICT, NERCORMS; Dr. Soumya Chakraborty, Director, Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (NIMSR), Kohima; Amit Gupta, Co-founder of Amantya Technologies; and Raj Narula, CEO of INCA Synergies. They underscored the importance of nurturing local talent and research to bridge the digital divide in the region.

Advancing 5G Adoption in Northeast India
Speaking on the role of 5G in socio-economic transformation, Amit Gupta of Amantya Technologies stated, "5G is a game-changer for the Northeast. Through our 5G labs across all eight states, we are empowering innovators to develop solutions that address pressing challenges in agriculture, healthcare, and beyond."

Dr. Soumya Chakraborty emphasized the need to improve technical literacy in remote areas like Nagaland, stating that collaborative initiatives between NERCORMS and Amantya Technologies would help innovators create practical, impactful solutions.

Fostering a Culture of Research & Development
According to Donald Mawlot of NERCORMS, the hackathon is part of a broader effort to encourage scientific research and support local innovators in developing solutions that address regional challenges.

"Our mission is to foster a culture of innovation where young minds can apply cutting-edge technology to real-world problems. This initiative will create a lasting social impact by supporting research and talent development in the Northeast," Mawlot stated.

The NER Tech Hackathon 2025 served as a launchpad for future technology-driven solutions, reinforcing the Northeast's potential as a hub for 5G innovation and digital transformation.