Reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation in road safety and celebrating ‘Road Safety Month’ Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) successfully concluded the 24-Hour Toyota Hackathon 2025 at R V Institute of Technology & Management, JP Nagar, Bangalore. This milestone event marked the third and final chapter of TKM’s hackathon series for the year, following its successful editions in Delhi and Mumbai.
The Bangalore hackathon brought together over 400 young innovators from grades 9 to 11, representing nearly 100 schools. These bright minds showcased their creativity and technical acumen in developing practical solutions to critical road safety issues, aligning with TKM’s broader vision of achieving zero traffic fatalities. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Guest Mr. S. Girish IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, West, alongside TKM’s senior leadership such as Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head of State Affairs. Their presence underscored Toyota’s unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of changemakers.
Addressing the Urgent Need for Road Safety Solutions
India records the highest number of annual road crash fatalities globally. Every year, over 150,000 fatalities occur due to road accidents, making road traffic injuries the leading cause of death for individuals aged 5-29 years. Recognizing this critical issue, TKM’s hackathon series across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore engaged students during the 2024-25 academic year, generating over 400 innovative concepts designed to tackle road safety challenges. By fostering critical thinking and solution-oriented approaches, this initiative serves as a platform for young minds to become ‘Change Agents,’ inspiring positive behavioral changes within their communities and contributing significantly to road safety advancements.
Themes and Structure of the Hackathon
Participants focused on themes such as Road Safety Awareness and Education, School Zone Safety, Traffic Management, and IoT Integration in Road Safety. They were encouraged to develop both digital and policy-driven solutions aimed at reducing road accidents and saving lives. Each hackathon followed a structured five-phase journey:
- Team Selection and Idea Submission – Students formed teams and proposed innovative ideas addressing road safety issues.
- Boot Camp Shortlisting – Selected teams participated in a preparatory boot camp to refine their concepts.
- 24-Hour Hackathon – A rigorous, day-long session where participants worked intensively to develop their prototypes and solutions.
- Final Presentations – Teams showcased their solutions before an expert jury.
- Incubation Support – The top three teams received continued mentorship to refine and implement their solutions.
Out of the 100 initial teams, 33 advanced to the final phase, with three winning teams being awarded ongoing mentorship to bring their solutions closer to real-world implementation.
Words of Encouragement from Industry Leaders
Chief Guest Mr. S. Girish IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, West, lauded the initiative, stating, “The Toyota Hackathon is a testament to the power of young minds when given the opportunity to innovate. It is inspiring to see how students are channeling their creativity to address a critical issue like road safety. Initiatives like this not only nurture future leaders but also instill a sense of responsibility and purpose in creating a safer world. The enthusiasm and ingenuity I witnessed today reaffirm my belief in the potential of our youth to drive positive change. I applaud Toyota Kirloskar Motor for this impactful initiative and look forward to seeing these solutions translate into real-world benefits for society.”
Speaking at the event, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head of State Affairs, TKM, emphasized Toyota’s commitment to road safety and innovation, saying, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, safety is at the heart of everything we do. The Toyota Hackathon is a reflection of our belief that empowering young minds to innovate is key to addressing societal challenges like road safety. By equipping students with the tools and mentorship to tackle real-world challenges, we are not only addressing road safety but also building a community of changemakers dedicated to societal progress. We remain committed to supporting their journey from ideas to implementation, ensuring safer roads for everyone.”
Toyota’s Continued Efforts in Road Safety and Education
Road safety and education form the cornerstone of Toyota’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The Toyota Hackathon, launched in 2018, complements the Toyota Safety Education Programme (TSEP), which has reached over 800,000 students since 2007. These initiatives underscore Toyota’s commitment to making road safety education accessible to young learners and instilling responsible road behavior from an early age.
The 2025 Bangalore hackathon, being the grand finale of the year’s series, has set the stage for a brighter and safer future, showcasing the remarkable impact of empowering youth to address pressing societal challenges. As a platform for innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, the hackathon has not only sparked fresh ideas but also reinforced Toyota’s leadership in advancing sustainable mobility and road safety.
With every milestone achieved, Toyota Kirloskar Motor continues to push the boundaries of social innovation. By investing in young talent and fostering a culture of problem-solving, the company remains at the forefront of driving change, ensuring that the roads of tomorrow are safer and smarter for everyone. The legacy of the Toyota Hackathon stands as a beacon of inspiration, proving that collective efforts and young ingenuity can pave the way for a better and more secure future.
