shd2024, india – a look back

8-10 november, 2024

Introduction

Science Hack Day India 2024 was conducted from 8th to 10th November 2024 at the scenic Sankalp Bhoomi Farm Resorts, Belgaum. The event brought together an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 300 participants, comprising 75 hackers, 72 workshop attendees, and 62 volunteers, who collaborated to create, learn, and share their knowledge in science, technology, and innovation. The event was packed with creative hacks, insightful demos, engaging workshops, and plenty of fun activities, making it a memorable celebration of science and creativity.

Hacks

The hackathon was the heart of the event, showcasing incredible innovations:

  1. 360° Selfie Station by Ishaan
    A creative mechanism where a rotating camera captured videos of a subject, who simultaneously rotated in the same or opposite direction.
  2. Octopus Tentacles by Gautam
    A 3D-printed mechanism simulating octopus tentacle movements, useful for grasping objects or locomotion.
  3. Plantable Paper by Anjali
    Handmade paper embedded with seeds, designed to grow flowering plants when planted, promoting sustainability.
  4. Magnetic Field Visualizer by Jithin
    A 3D magnetic field mapper created using a magnetometer and a repurposed 3D printer, with Python for visualization.
  5. Pedestrian Safety Headlight Masking by Pawman and Anant
    An AI-powered device that selectively masks car headlights to prevent blinding pedestrians.
  6. QR Code in Google Sheets by Gautam
    A novel attempt to design a functional QR code using only Google Sheets cells and formulas.
  7. ADS-B by Kingsly
    An ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) receiver for real-time tracking of aircraft, providing insights into air traffic data.
  8. Newspaper Structure by Arun
    Arun guided young students in building the tallest possible structure using newspapers, promoting hands-on learning.
  9. SHD LED Badge by Prathamesh and Rahi
    Programmable LED badges capable of displaying customizable messages.
  10. Brachistochrone by Pritam, Saish, and Adarsh
    The team constructed a functional model of the brachistochrone curve, which demonstrates the fastest descent path under gravity between two points.
  11. Confetti Detonator by Shashank, Santosh, Ravi, and Sheetal
    A Bluetooth-activated confetti detonator, perfect for celebrations.
  12. Geodesic Dome by Praveen and team
    A lightweight and sturdy structure made with pipes, showcasing the efficiency of geodesic domes in architecture.
  13. CTF (Capture The Flag) by Rayan and team
    Capture The Flag (CTF) was an engaging problem-solving treasure hunt where participants tackled puzzles and tasks designed to test their logical thinking to find the next clue

Workshops

Planned Workshops

  1. Young Learners Workshop
    Participants crafted simple science toys and explored basic electronic circuits, sparking curiosity and creativity in young minds.
  2. Jr. Hackers Workshop
    Offered hands-on training in Python programming with visual coding exercises and introduced participants to microcontroller programming using KuttyPy, building foundational skills in robotics and embedded systems.

On-the-fly workshops

  1. DNA Extraction by Anjali
    An engaging activity demonstrating the process of extracting DNA from bananas, making science tangible and fun.
  2. Espresso your Mind by Natasha
    A unique art therapy session using coffee as the medium to paint, blending creativity with relaxation.
  3. Crochet workshop by Shruti
    A delightful session teaching the basics of crochet, enabling participants to create small handmade items. 
  4. Paper making workshop by Anjali
    Guided participants in making recycled, eco-friendly handmade paper.
  5. Soap Making workshop by Harriette
    fun and educational workshop on crafting natural soaps at home.
  6. Cyanotypes workshop by Arun
    Explored the cyanotype photographic printing process, using light-sensitive chemicals to create blue-toned prints. 
  7. Pollen morphology workshop by Rutuja, Rahul, Smeeta and Ankita
    A detailed look at the structure and function of pollen, combining botany and microscopy.

Lightning Talks

Day 1 also featured lightning talks, where speakers delivered short, impactful presentations on diverse topics

  1. Self confidence by Riya Kohapure
  2. Brain hack by Apoorwa Khanolkar
  3. My journey with nature – Srujan Ogale
  4. AI + Hardware – Ravi Pujari
  5. Making computers work for you – Arun Ganesh
  6. Manufacturing of KuttyPy – Jithin B P
  7. Anatomy of QR code – Gautam
  8. Sustainable production of biodiesel from Karanj – Anjali 
  9. Traversing the Mt Satopanth knife edge – Akshay Deshpande 

Recorded talks

We had recorded talk by  Mr. Samarth Kulkarni CEO of Crispr Therapeutics
Samarth Kulkarni is the CEO of CRISPR Therapeutics, a Belgaum-born leader in biotechnology known for advancing gene-editing technologies. Under his leadership, CRISPR Therapeutics has pioneered treatments for genetic disorders, including groundbreaking therapies for blood diseases like sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia, marking major strides in the field of regenerative medicine.

In his talk, Samarth Kulkarni emphasized the critical role of creativity and multidisciplinary thinking in driving innovation. He expressed his appreciation for events like Science Hack Day India, which bridge the gap between theory and practical application, fostering hands-on learning. Kulkarni highlighted that impactful innovation doesn’t always have to be grand; even small, thoughtful ideas can create meaningful change.

Science demos

Conducted by Shashank and Praveen, the science demos mesmerized over 200 attendees with dazzling displays of light, sound, and “science magic.”

Technology Showcase

  1. Best Engineering Aids and Consultancies Pvt Ltd. (BEACON):
    BEACON presented their state-of-the-art ForLabs 3D printer, offering attendees an up-close look at resin printing technology. They provided a detailed explanation of how resin printers work, demonstrating their precision and potential for various applications.
  2. Saras Aerospace
    Saras Aerospace impressed the audience with a diverse range of drones designed for specialized purposes. The live demonstrations of their large-scale flying drones were a major highlight, showcasing their advanced engineering and practical utility in real-world scenarios.

Other

Math Club

  • Displayed models like Newton’s cradle, pendulum waves, and holograms.
  • Hosted interactive games such as the buzz wire game and water bottle challenges.

Live Music

Victor and his group, joined by participants, enthralled the audience with live music performances.

Laser Show

A stunning laser display orchestrated by Praveen and team.

Star Gazing

Despite overcast skies, a small star-gazing session was held on Day 0, thanks to the Galileo Club.

Conclusion

Science Hack Day India 2024 was a vibrant celebration of innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Over three days, participants from diverse backgrounds came together to experiment, learn, and build solutions that bridged theory and practice. The event highlighted the power of hands-on exploration, multidisciplinary thinking, and community-driven initiatives to inspire change and ignite curiosity. From ingenious hacks and engaging workshops to awe-inspiring demos and interactive activities, the event provided a platform for everyone to unleash their potential. As we wrap up another successful edition, we look forward to fostering even greater connections and innovations in the years to come.

Acknowledgement

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the individuals and organizations whose support made Science Hack Day India 2024 a resounding success.

Our Organizing Partners—Makerspace Belgaum and Sankalp Bhoomi—played a pivotal role in planning and executing the event.

We are deeply thankful to our Supporters: SKE Society, Polyhydron Foundation, KLS Gogte Institute of Technology, Kapeel Founders, Hotel Anupam, Spica Hydraulics Pvt Ltd, Orione Hydraulics Pvt Ltd, Knk Karts Pvt Ltd, Super Casting, Peregrine Apex, Pragati Engineers Belgaum Pvt Ltd, Best Engineer Aid and Consultancies Pvt Ltd, C-Spark Research, Somatic Labs, and Ananya Enterprises.

Their generous contributions and encouragement empowered us to create an inclusive and innovative platform where ideas flourished, and practical solutions emerged. Thank you for being instrumental in bringing this vision to life!

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