A student team from BITS Pilani, Team Axiom AI, has won the POWERGRID National Problem Statement at the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 – Software Edition, marking a significant milestone in the application of artificial intelligence to India’s critical infrastructure planning.
Out of more than 80,000 teams that competed nationwide, the solution developed by Team Axiom AI is now being evaluated for potential deployment across India’s power transmission network. The winning entry addresses a long-standing operational challenge faced by POWERGRID Corporation of India Ltd., the country’s largest power transmission public sector undertaking.
Addressing a National-Scale Challenge
The problem statement, issued by POWERGRID, highlighted persistent material demand mismatches across large-scale transmission projects. These inefficiencies have been responsible for annual losses exceeding $850 million, or over ₹7,500 crore, due to shortages, excess inventory, and project delays in nationally important infrastructure.
The objective was to develop a machine learning–driven system capable of improving procurement planning, inventory optimisation, and supply-chain execution at a national scale.
AI-Driven Decision Intelligence Platform
Led by Soham Mehta, Team Axiom AI designed and built NEXUS, a full-stack, AI-powered decision intelligence platform tailored for real-world operational use. The system integrates advanced forecasting models with execution-level visibility to support large infrastructure programmes.
Using a single project design input, NEXUS enables accurate material demand forecasting across geographies and project types. It also supports optimised placement of transmission towers, substations, and electrical assets, along with cost- and time-efficient route planning. Additional features include intelligent selection of vendors and logistics partners, as well as real-time execution tracking with automated alerts.
Potential Impact on National Infrastructure
According to projections shared during the hackathon, the platform has the potential to deliver annual savings of over ₹7,500 crore by reducing inventory losses and improving material planning. Faster execution of power transmission projects and the creation of a scalable AI framework for large public sector undertakings are among the key anticipated benefits.
POWERGRID is currently exploring pathways to scale the solution across its national operations.
Institutional Recognition
The work received recognition from BITS Pilani leadership at the BITSAA Global Meet, including Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani; Prof. Sudhirkumar V. Barai, Director of the Pilani Campus; Prof. Suman Kundu, Director of the KK Birla Goa Campus; and Prof. Souri Banerjee, Director of the Dubai Campus, underscoring the project’s institutional and national relevance.
Team Axiom AI comprises Soham Mehta (Team Lead), Chirag Gupta, Vishal Goel, Anushka Dave, and Tejesh Sahoo.
Electrify your feed! Click here to join our Whatsapp group and to get the latest updates, expert insights, and innovations driving India’s energy storage revolution.
