The 6th Edition of the TNWISE 2025 (Tamil Nadu Women in Science and Engineering) Hackathon, hosted by Tamil Nadu Centre of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing - TANCAM, was successfully conducted at Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai on 11.04.2024 , with the enthusiastic participation of 304 teams comprising 904 women students from over 90+ colleges across Tamil Nadu. The event served as a dynamic platform for aspiring women engineers to showcase their talent and creativity in line with the theme of sustainable innovation and smart engineering.
The event was inaugurated with inspiring addresses by dignitaries including Mr. Ar. Sarath Kakumanu (Director, Pioneer Group), Mr. Franklin Dathy Elumalai , Ms. Thendral Rajendran (VP - Corporate & Industry Relations, TANCAM), and Dr. S.N. Murugesan (Principal, Rajalakshmi Engineering College). The presence of industry leaders, academicians, and vibrant student participants set the stage for a day rich in collaboration, ideation, and real-world problem-solving.
The valedictory session was graced by a host of eminent guests who added prestige and depth to the occasion. Dr. S. Christopher, Former Chairman of DRDO and current Chairman of AIDAT, delivered a powerful keynote on the role of women in advancing national innovation ecosystems. The session also featured an impactful address by Ms. Renuka Srinivasan, Director at Dassault Systèmes, who delivered a motivating talk on how innovation, sustainability, and inclusion form the backbone of engineering for the future — particularly highlighting Dassault’s initiatives for women in STEM. The event also featured inspiring remarks from Ms. Tejshree Abhay Meganathan, Executive Director, Rajalakshmi Group, Mr. D. @Udayakumar (@AIEMA), Mr.Vijayadeepan S M (CEO, TANCAM) who emphasized the importance of empowering women in STEM through opportunities, mentorship, and access to technology. and Dr.Priya L (Coordinator, Industry-Institute Interaction Cell, REC).
The award distribution recognized 21 outstanding teams, with three top awards shared by two teams each, and 15 special prizes presented for innovative and promising ideas. 10 internships were offered by Dassault Systèmes & TANCAM. The hackathon's themes reflected Dassault Systèmes’ Act for Sustainable Energy, promoting the hashtag#EnergyExperience and the belief that hashtag#TheOnlyProgressIsHuman. A heartfelt thanks goes to Ms. Victoire de Margerie, for her motivating video message that empowered participants to lead with innovation and confidence.