Are you wondering whether to choose a software or hardware PS project for SIH 2024? Don’t worry! This article will help you out. The Smart India Hackathon (SIH) has emerged as a prestigious platform for students across India to exhibit their problem-solving, innovation, and technical skills.

As SIH 2024 approaches, a significant change is taking place in the choice of projects, particularly between those that depend on hardware and those that involve pure software. Traditionally, software projects are the first choice, but according to recent trends, hardware problem statement projects might be your ticket to selection. In this article, we will explore why picking hardware PS projects would be the smart decision for SIH 2024.

Why Should You Choose Hardware PS for SIH 2024? 

With the SIH competition at the doorstep, we need to address the noticeable alteration in the ratio of hardware and software projects. In comparison to previous years, the proportion of hardware-based solutions has significantly increased, hinting at a growing acceptance towards hardware innovations.

The enhancement in hardware-related projects suggests a growing demand for solutions addressing real-world problems through tangible innovations. The number of increased hardware projects and the competition of both software and hardware domains are certainly significant reasons for picking a hardware PS project. Choosing a hardware problem statement project will place you in a lower-competition space, which immediately increases the opportunity for selection. Hence, opting for a hardware project will be the smart decision.

AI, CSE, ITE, and Related Branches in Software 

Students from branches like Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science Engineering, Information Technology Engineering, and related disciplines usually pick software-based projects. These branches inherently focus on software development, coding, and algorithmic problem-solving, making software projects the obvious choice. The natural inclination of most branches to pick software projects enhances the opportunity for hardware problem statement projects to be selected in the upcoming SIH competition.

By picking hardware projects, students from CSE, engineering fields, and other related branches can increase their chances of standing out and the likelihood of selection. Moreover, hardware projects allow an extensive range of interdisciplinary skills ranging from electronics and mechanical engineering to IoT and embedded systems. This makes hardware PS projects a unique exploration and, hence, the right choice for SIH 2024.

Overcoming the Stigma of Modern Tech Stacks

Lately, modern technologies such as Blockchain, Virtual Reality (VR), Machine Learning (ML), and other tech stacks are often linked with software-related solutions. This concentration on software has led to a misconception that hardware is less important and exciting in today’s technology-driven world.

If you are willing to stand out, choosing a project dealing with a hardware problem statement would be the right choice. By doing so, you can also challenge the overwhelming concentration on modern software technologies. Unlike software, hardware PS projects often solve practical, real-world problems, and they are incredibly valuable in contexts involving physical interactions or mechanical systems. This focus on practical solutions can resonate well with experts looking for innovations with substantial influence.

Institutional Requirements for SIH 2024

The Smart India Hackathon competition requires institutions to submit both software and hardware PS projects. The minimum requirement is ten teams for each category. Since colleges try hard to meet these requirements, the opportunities for selecting hardware problem statement projects over software projects are, by default, higher. With fewer students opting for hardware, the chances of selection to represent their institutions are naturally higher.

Colleges try to balance the submissions of hardware and software projects to showcase the versatility and skill sets of the students. This institutional push for hardware projects can favour students who will work on a hardware problem statement for SIH 2024. Moreover, colleges will likely offer additional support and resources to students working on hardware PS projects, increasing the chances of selection.

Hardware Problem Statement Projects Boost Confidence

Another significant reason to choose hardware PS projects for SIH 2024 is the direct problem-solving approach it provides. Hardware problem statement projects involve creating physical prototypes, devices, or systems that address specific challenges. The tangible aspect of hardware can be incredibly rewarding, offering students a sense of accomplishment as they see their ideas come to life as a functioning product. A successful hardware project displays technical skills, creativity, practicality, and critical thinking, making hardware projects particularly appealing for SIH 2024.

Potential for Patents and Business Ventures

In SIH 2024, you can transform your hardware PS project ideas into products and commercialize them. This motivates the students to develop an entrepreneurial outlook. Although it’s easy to replicate software products, replication is tough for hardware products. They involve unique manufacturing processes and designs, making the successful final product a valuable asset.

Offering the opportunity to materialize ideas into successful products, hardware project boosts the business mindset of the participants. A successful hardware prototype or proof of concept captures the interest of investors, industry partners, and government agencies. The possibility of commercializing a product provides additional motivation to work hard, making the project successful and worth it.

Conclusion: Pick Hardware PS for SIH 2024

SIH 2024 is a huge deal for the potential participants. One very important question is which would increase the selection process – software or hardware problem statement? We offered several reasons why opting for a hardware PS project will increase the chances of selection. The above discussion will help you understand why hardware problem statement projects will help you stand out and may offer the opportunity for a potential patent along with product commercialization. So, if you are willing to challenge the traditional inclination towards software, pick a hardware PS and make your place in the upcoming SIH competition. For more content regarding the Smart India Hackathon/ SIH 2024, stay in touch with ThoughtRevoked.