New Delhi: In a bid to reshape the capital’s governance model, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presided over the launch of ‘Delhi Next: Code, Create and Change’ at the Delhi Secretariat on Thursday. Billed as the country’s largest civic tech innovation program, the initiative aims to bring together youth, startups, researchers, and academic institutions to develop technology driven solutions for pressing urban challenges.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that modern governance extends far beyond traditional policy making. She noted that the integration of technology, innovation, and public participation is essential to address the complexities of a growing metropolis. She described ‘Delhi Next’ as more than just a hackathon, calling it a vital bridge between innovation and administrative systems that will integrate the creative ideas of the youth directly into government operations.
The program focuses on solving real world civic issues. Participating teams have developed solutions covering a wide spectrum of urban concerns, including urban infrastructure, waterlogging, traffic management, smart parking, air pollution, waste management, and the enhancement of electric vehicle ecosystems. Digital governance and more efficient citizen grievance redressal mechanisms are also key pillars of the project.
A distinct feature of ‘Delhi Next’ is its commitment to implementation. Unlike conventional hackathons that often conclude with prize distributions, this initiative ensures that selected solutions will be developed into pilot projects with the active collaboration of relevant government departments. Successful models will be formally integrated into the state’s administrative framework.
The top 60 teams selected under the program will receive ongoing mentorship and expert support to refine their proposals. Each team will be paired with the appropriate government department to ensure a clear roadmap for deployment.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reiterated that the ultimate goal is to establish Delhi as the country’s civic tech capital. She expressed confidence in the talent of the youth, stating that with the right guidance and opportunities, they can drive significant improvements in administrative efficiency. By leveraging data, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation, the government aims to provide a more effective, transparent, and responsive administration for the citizens of Delhi.