Piyush Goyal Highlights Innovation in Sports, Launches Viksit Bharat Digital Matrix 2026 Hackathon

The Viksit Bharat Hackathon 2026 was launched by Piyush Goyal, highlighting the role of innovation and digital technology in transforming India’s sports ecosystem. Union Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the World Intellectual Property Day celebrations, themed “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!”, underscoring the growing role of innovation in shaping the future of sports in India.

The event, which was also attended by the Jammu & Kashmir cricket team, brought together stakeholders from across the innovation and sports ecosystems.

During the event, the minister launched the ‘Viksit Bharat Digital Matrix 2026 – Design Hackathon’, a six-month immersive programme focused on developing next-generation solutions in smart wearables. The initiative aims to encourage young innovators, designers, and technologists to create cutting-edge products that can transform performance, training, and fan engagement in sports.

Speaking on the occasion, Goyal emphasised that the theme of World IP Day reflects the increasing importance of intellectual property in driving innovation within the sports sector. He highlighted how advancements in technology, data analytics, and wearable devices are redefining athletic performance and sports management globally.

The minister also acknowledged the leadership of Narendra Modi in strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem. He noted that the government’s initiatives have positioned sports not only as a pathway to health and fitness but also as a key contributor to economic growth and employment generation.

Goyal reiterated that India is witnessing a transformative phase where innovation, entrepreneurship, and sports are converging, creating vast opportunities for startups and young talent. He encouraged participants of the hackathon to leverage intellectual property rights to protect and scale their innovations on a global stage.

The launch of the Digital Matrix 2026 Hackathon marks another step toward building a future-ready sports ecosystem, aligned with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.