Shaping the Future of Telecommunications: The ITU WTSA-24 Hackathon and India’s Strategic Role
- 12 October 2024
by Alexandra Bustos Iliescu
In the rapidly evolving world of telecommunications, where technology continuously pushes boundaries, India hosted a significant event that marked a stride towards innovation: the ITU WTSA-24 Hackathon. Held from October 7th to 8th, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, this event aimed to integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) into emerging 5G and 6G network standards. Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Telecom Centres of Excellence India (TCOE) of India, the hackathon highlighted the country’s growing influence in setting the global telecom agenda.
A Hub for Innovation Across Phases
The event unfolded in two phases under the “AI Bharat 5G/6G Sandbox” initiative, launched by Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications. The first phase, conducted online from August 7th to September 30th, saw impressive engagement, with 172 participants from around the world. A total of 88 teams competed, culminating in 31 innovative submissions. The online phase-1 featured 10 events including 2 late night marathon sessions, aimed at mentoring, and refining ideas, preparing the participants for the intensive in-person competition.
“Together, we have the opportunity to inspire and empower young minds to create solutions that will shape our world” said Dr. Neeraj Mittal.
Phase 2 took place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together the top 12 shortlisted teams, comprising participants and mentors from India, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, the UK, and Nigeria. This 40-hour offline coding marathon from October 7th to 8th saw teams racing against the clock to develop real-world solutions to key challenges in telecommunications, in an environment that combined technical rigour with a commitment to addressing global needs.
Hear from Thomas Basikolo, Program Officer at ITU
Pushing the Limits of AI in Telecommunications
The hackathon focused on two main problem statements, aligned with ITU’s standards for integrating AI/ML into autonomous networks. The first challenge, “Build Your Own AI/ML Model for 5G/6G,” required participants to develop AI/ML pipelines for innovative 5G/6G use cases. The second task, “Build Your Own xApp for Autonomous 5G/6G,” called on teams to design applications that could enhance the autonomy of these next-generation networks. Both challenges were anchored in ITU’s recommendations, specifically ITU-T Y.3172 and Y.3061, which provide frameworks for deploying AI in future network infrastructures.
Participants tackled a wide array of pressing issues, including optimizing urban traffic, enhancing public transportation, flood monitoring, and waste management. The projects collectively sought to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the event’s broader humanitarian and societal implications. Other notable solutions involved drone-based resource scheduling, AI-based network reliability prediction, and the AuratRaksha initiative for women’s safety. Each solution was assessed on its alignment with the SDGs, its AI/ML model’s efficacy, and its applicability to the future of telecom networks.
Expert Guidance and Mentorship
The hackathon provided participants with insights from an elite panel of Indian and international mentors, including university professors, telecommunications experts, and ITU representatives. The in-person event featured mentoring sessions, expert talks, and live demos, offering a platform for young innovators to refine their solutions with real-world perspectives. Mentors shared invaluable guidance during the late-night coding marathons, encouraging participants to push the boundaries of what AI/ML could achieve within 5G and 6G networks.
Throughout the event, teams benefited from cloud credits worth Rs. 83,500 (USD 1,000) to train and optimize their AI models, ensuring they had the resources needed to develop cutting-edge solutions. Evaluations focused on the teams’ preparedness, the problem statement’s design, and the solution’s effectiveness. Cash prizes totaling $4,500 were awarded to top performers, along with additional recognition for the best student, startup, and female participants.
A Prelude to WTSA 2024
The ITU WTSA-24 Hackathon not only served as a precursor to the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 but also set the tone for the discussions to follow. Scheduled from October 15th to 24th, WTSA 2024 will bring together more than 3,000 policymakers, industry leaders, and tech experts to shape the future of telecommunications standards. With its emphasis on AI/ML integration, 6G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity, the assembly will underscore India’s strategic role in defining next-generation technologies.
For the first time in history, the WTSA will be hosted in India and the broader Asia-Pacific region, offering the country a unique opportunity to shape global telecom standards. As Indian startups and research institutions gain critical insights into the development of Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) and intellectual property rights, they will be well-positioned to contribute to the rapidly evolving field of telecommunications. The hackathon’s success has already highlighted India’s emergence as a global hub for innovation in digital technologies, paving the way for the standards and technologies that will define the next era of connectivity.
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