Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the successful conclusion of the Bitathon 2026, a premier analytics competition organized by SAS in partnership with the Goa Institute of Management (GIM). Held on February 16, 2026, this year’s event attracted over 1,500 registrations and saw participation from more than 850 teams across prestigious institutions in India. The theme, 'Responsible AI: Intelligence for a Shared Tomorrow,' encouraged students to address pressing societal and business challenges using data science.
According to Bhuvan Nijhawan, Sr. Director of Education for Asia Pacific at SAS, the Bitathon serves as a launching pad for India’s analytical talent. He remarked, “This year's participants showcased creativity and responsibility in their solutions, preparing them for a future where AI plays a pivotal role in decision-making.” This aligns with the growing recognition of the need for ethical considerations in AI development and application.
- Participants engaged with industry leaders — offering invaluable networking opportunities and insights into real-world applications of data analytics.
- Cash prizes totaling ₹19 Lakhs — incentivizing teams to innovate and excel in their analytical pursuits.
- Winner: Team Veritasium — from Goa Institute of Management, showcasing exceptional talent and creativity.
The event unfolded in two phases: an online preliminary round followed by an intensive on-campus finale at GIM, Goa. The finale featured a rigorous 24-hour challenge from February 12-14, 2026, set against the picturesque backdrop of the GIM campus. Participants showcased their solutions during presentations, culminating in a celebratory gala dinner that encouraged interaction among students and industry experts.
Dr. Anup Maurya, Associate Professor of Big Data Analytics at GIM, expressed pride in the collaboration with SAS, stating, “Bitathon 2026 reaffirmed our belief that academic depth combined with hands-on experience leads to innovative solutions.” The competition exemplifies the crucial partnership between educational institutions and industry leaders in fostering the next generation of responsible AI innovators, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate future challenges.
