Heritage Institute of Technology Student Ankit Kumar Selected to Represent India at Singapore–India Hackathon 2026
Kolkata : Ankit Kumar, a student of Computer Science Engineering at Heritage Institute of Technology (HIT), Kolkata, has been selected to represent India at the Singapore–India Hackathon 2026. He is one of 60 students chosen from India for the fourth edition of this bilateral innovation platform.
The hackathon will be hosted by Singapore Management University (SMU) in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) from 15 to 17 November 2026. It will bring together 120 students, 60 from India and 60 from Singapore, in mixed-country teams. Over 36 hours, they will develop solutions to real-world problems set by industry partners across sectors such as fintech, sustainability, emerging technologies and social innovation. The event marks 61 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Ankit, 21, is due to graduate in 2027. His selection comes at the end of a remarkable run of achievements during his college years:
He won the Young Innovator Award at the Tata Social Enterprise Challenge 2024, through IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, for an IoT-based smart irrigation system.
He completed a research internship at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), USA, under Prof. Shantanu Sharma.
His team emerged as National Winners at Smart India Hackathon 2025.
He later undertook an internship in Delhi in a Ministry of Home Affairs–related context, which was subsequently extended.
He completed a summer research visit to Loughborough University, UK, under Prof. Wenheng Zhang.
The 2024 HackHeritage, an internal hackathon organized by Heritage Institute of technology every year has helped him a lot and ignited his interest in participating in National and International Hackathons across the globe.
Reflecting on his journey, Ankit said: “The milestones may have our names on them, but the journey is never ours alone. Behind every opportunity are mentors who guide us, professors who share their knowledge, teammates who work alongside us, and friends who make unfamiliar places feel like home. I’m genuinely grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way. Let’s see what Singapore holds for me.”
“Ankit’s selection fills all of us at HIT with immense pride. Being chosen as one of only 60 students from across India is a recognition of his curiosity, his persistence and his willingness to keep stepping out of his comfort zone. From building an irrigation solution for farmers to winning at the national level and researching abroad, he has shown what a young engineer can do when given the freedom to explore. We hope his journey inspires every student at HIT to dream beyond the classroom.” said Mr. Pradip Agarwal, CEO, Heritage Group of Institutions.
“Ankit’s journey shows what curiosity and hard work can achieve. We are proud that he will represent India, and HIT, on this stage.” said Prof. Basab Chaudhuri, Principal, Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata.
Heritage Institute of Technology encourages its students to look beyond the classroom, to build, research, compete and collaborate across borders. Ankit’s selection reflects that spirit, and the institute extends its heartiest congratulations and best wishes to him for the hackathon.
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