Driving Innovation in Logistics: A Journey Through NLDS ULIP Logixtics Hackathon 2.0

The logistics sector forms the backbone of any economy, and in India, where diverse industries rely on efficient supply chains, optimizing logistics is a national priority. Recognizing this, NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd. (NLDSL), in collaboration with NITI Ayog — Atal Innovation Mission and Start-up India, launched the NLDS ULIP Logixtics Hackathon 2.0, which aimed to revolutionize the logistics landscape through innovative, technology-driven solutions.

From its inception to the grand finale, NLDS ULIP Logixtics Hackathon 2.0 was an extraordinary journey, showcasing the potential of data-driven problem-solving. The finale event, graced by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, celebrated the participants’ efforts. Shri Goyal lauded their contributions to India’s logistics transformation, emphasizing the role of technology in achieving the vision of a $5 trillion economy. He emphasized the need for green logistics practices, skill development, and technology-driven innovation. He urged industry stakeholders to fully integrate with government platforms, adopt sustainable practices, and leverage AI and data analytics to improve efficiency. Shri Goyal also called for more hackathons to address emerging challenges.

Officially launched on September 24, 2024, NLDS ULIP Logixtics Hackathon 2.0 was a testament to the NLDS’s vision of streamlining and digitizing India’s logistics sector. NLDS ULIP Logixtics Hackathon 2.0 garnered an incredible 4,700+ entries, reflecting the growing interest in leveraging technology for logistics innovation. Among the participants were 3,500 students, 250 start-ups, and 800 professionals and freelancers from across the country.

Participants competed across five key categories: Sustainable Logistics, Data-Driven Optimization of Logistics Operations, Operational Efficiency and Optimization, Tech-Driven Logistics Innovation, and Unified Documentation and Digital Transformation. They spent weeks developing solutions, leveraging ULIP’s APIs to address real-world logistics challenges.

After rigorous evaluation, teams were shortlisted to develop prototypes of their ideas. These finalists received mentorship and guidance from industry experts, enabling them to refine their concepts into actionable solutions.

The Grand Finale was a grand celebration, attended by eminent dignitaries including Ms. Himani Pandey, Additional Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary Start-up India, Dr. Surender Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, Shri E. Srinivas, JS DPIIT, Shri Santosh Sinha, CMD Central Warehousing Corporation, Shri Banchha Nidhi Pani, CEO GIDB, Dr. Manoj Chaudhary, Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya.

Shri Rajat Kumar Saini, CEO & MD, NICDC and Chairman, NLDSL kicked off the event by giving the welcome address and spoke about the efforts it took to make the hackathon a success. He emphasised the vision of ULIP stems from the government’s efforts to encourage the community to come up with novel solutions.

Among the top 25 teams, 6 stood out as winners, showcasing exceptional ingenuity and potential to redefine logistics operations. These winners were selected by a distinguished jury which comprised of Shri Ryohei Aiba, Vice President, NEC Corporation India, Shri A M Rao, Group General Manager, Central Warehousing Corporation, Prof. Debjit Roy, Chair Professor of Operations and Data Science, IIM Ahmedabad, Shri Tapaswi PVN, Vice President, Arvind Limited, Shri Chaahat Khattar, Associate Director, KPMG India, and Dr Amit Upadhyay, Assistant Professor, IIT Roorkee, Dr.Aditya Gupta, COO, IIM Bangalore. Their expertise ensured a robust evaluation process.

CargoFL, the winner in the Operational Efficiency and Optimization category, developed an AI-powered platform that automates logistics and supply chain operations. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, CargoFL delivers real-time, end-to-end visibility from source to destination with a single click.

In the Tech-Driven Logistics Innovation category, Docker Vision emerged victorious with a solution that optimizes port operations through advanced data integration. The team’s innovative approach combines container data from Vehicle Booking Systems (VBS) with ULIP’s Logistics Data Bank (LDB) API for real-time tracking.

Winner of the Sustainable Logistics category, Electra Wheeler introduced an innovative logistics management solution tailored for commercial electric vehicles (EVs). Electra Wheeler’s platform integrates ULIP’s APIs to offer AI-driven route optimization, real-time charging coordination, and carbon tracking.

Eseal Store emerged as the winner in the Data-Driven Optimization of Logistics Operations category with a unique solution for real-time empty container discovery. By connecting importers and exporters within the same geographical area, Eseal Store enables the reuse of containers from imports for export shipments. This reduces transportation costs, minimizes carbon footprints, and fosters a sustainable logistics ecosystem.

In the Unified Documentation and Digital Transformation category, Team Vishwaas created a digital document management framework that simplifies cross-border trade operations. The solution leverages decentralized identifiers like GSTIN, IEC, and LEI to enable the seamless, secure exchange of documents. This framework enhances transparency, prevents fraud, and ensures global recognition and trust in digital trade documentation.

Crowned the Grand Winner of NLDS ULIP Logixtics Hackathon 2.0, Vaahan Blend is developing India’s first comprehensive carbon accounting platform tailored to the transportation sector. This solution provides a detailed Carbon Emission Inventory, empowering businesses and policymakers with actionable insights for driving sustainable transformations. By offering certified emission data, Vaahan Blend enables informed decision-making, policy analysis, and AI-driven analytics.

The grand finale not only recognized winners but also celebrated the spirit of innovation that the NLDS ULIP Logixtics Hackathon 2.0 embodied. Each winning team was felicitated by Shri Piyush Goyal, who presented awards and certificates, acknowledging their efforts and encouraging them to continue driving change in India’s logistics sector.

As the hackathon concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of impactful ideas and solutions that promise to redefine India’s logistics ecosystem. The journey may have ended, but its impact is just beginning. Read more about the hackathon here: https://hackathon.goulip.in/.