On September 25, the world pauses to celebrate World Pharmacists' Day. For most, it’s just another awareness day on social media feeds or a polite thank you to the people who hand over their prescriptions. But if you look deeper, pharmacists are much more than that. They are the quiet engine of India’s massive healthcare system.
This year, instead of another token celebration, something different is happening. Academically Global is launching PharmaHackers 2025, a hackathon-inspired innovation challenge designed to give India’s pharmacy students and professionals the stage they’ve long deserved.
“I was once a shy BPharm student who slowly discovered confidence through quizzes, poster presentations, and seminars. Those “small activities” shaped my journey and later helped me build a global career as a lecturer and healthcare mentor. I created PharmaHackers to give today’s pharmacy students that same spark, a platform to build confidence, showcase ideas, and step onto the global stage.” Dr. Akram Ahmad, BPharm, PharmD (PhD in Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Global Healthcare Career Coach)
A chance to win an exclusive internship with Dr. Akram Ahmad
A unique highlight of this initiative is the opportunity to intern directly with Dr. Akram Ahmad, a globally recognized pharmacist, researcher, and CEO & Founder of Academically Global. This internship is designed to be a true learning experience, offering participants invaluable insights into healthcare innovation, research, and leadership. Deserving candidates will also get a chance to work full time at Academically and gain an experience to cherish for a lifetime.
Pharmacy Needs Its Own Hackathon Moment
• India contributes over 20% of the world’s generics supply, yet most pharmacists in the country face low visibility, limited leadership roles, and salaries that don’t match their impact.
• This mismatch is concerning. On one hand, we have a trillion-dollar pharmaceutical industry. On the other hand, pharmacy graduates often struggle to move beyond the dispensary counter or break into positions of real influence.
• That’s why PharmaHackers 2025 exists. Inspired by the energy of a global hackathon, it brings pharmacy students, researchers, and young professionals to a place where their creativity is tested against real-world health challenges. With tight deadlines and bold problem statements, participants are pushed to think differently, and in this process, they discover what they are truly capable of.
• PharmaHackers isn’t just a competition. It’s a reminder that pharmacists are not just for support but are innovators who can shape the future of healthcare.
Where Future Pharmacists Become Innovators
• PharmaHackers 2025 is more than prize money or certificates; it’s about transforming mindsets and opportunities. Pharmacy students get a platform designed exclusively for them to showcase their skills beyond academics.
• Here, classroom knowledge meets real-world impact. Posters, reels, or prototypes become more than submissions; they become proof of how pharmacy talent can rise when given visibility and mentorship.
• And the rewards go beyond cash. From free courses to paid internships and global exposure, PharmaHackers ensures participants walk away with experiences that recruiters recognize and peers admire.
• Most importantly, it gives pharmacy students the confidence and belief that their ideas matter. With the right stage, even a student project can spark something big, a startup, a research success, or a policy initiative.
• Pharmahackers are the place where the next generation of pharmacists are seen as beyond dispensers and are identified as innovators, leaders, and change makers.
The best part :
Rewards (Cash, Courses, and More) Now let’s talk about the fun part. Here’s what’s up for grabs:
● 1st Prize : Rs. 31,000
● 2nd Prize : Rs. 21,000
● 3rd Prize : Rs. 11,000
● 4th to 10th: 1000 each But beyond cash, there’s a lot more on the table :
● Free IELTS/GPAT/eligible preparation courses
● Certificates that actually add value to your CV
● Mentorship sessions with industry experts
● Special certificates for top performers from leading colleges If you’re someone with a startup mindset? The best idea could receive funding worth up to Rs. 1 crore, plus incubation support to bring your concept to life.
The PharmaHackers Event: Simple, Fast, Impactful
PharmaHackers 2025 is open to all pharmacy students and professionals, from D.Pharm, B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm.D, and PhD scholars to working pharmacists in any field. Whether you’re just starting your studies or advancing research.
PharmaHackers 2025 unfolds like a true innovation sprint :
● 25 Sept → Online Quiz (75 questions in 60 minutes)
● 27 Sept → Results & invite to the Stage 2
● 29 Sept → Final submission (poster or reel)
● 15 Oct → Grand Finale with rewards worth Rs. 15 Lakhs and a grant of up to 1 crore for the best Startup idea
The process isn’t just about competing. It’s about showing pharmacy students
how their ideas can move from notebooks to national stages in just a few days.
What’s in it for students?
Of course, the rewards matter. Cash prizes, free preparation courses, and paid internships are on the table. But the real prize is harder to quantify: recognition and belief. PharmaHackers is a platform to put bold ideas in front of mentors, healthcare experts, and international networks. It’s the kind of exposure that can change career trajectories. A line on your CV that recruiters instantly recognize. A chance to collaborate with peers who might just be your future co-founders.
Share & Unlock Rewards
Great ideas grow faster when shared. That’s why there’s a reward for bringing your friends, classmates, or peers on board. The more you share, the more exclusive perks and prizes you unlock. Refer a friend - The first 5 referrers will get early-bird access to the quiz.
● 1st referrer - Rs.5,100 + Early bird access to the quiz + certificate + free IELTS/ preparation course ( or option for Amazon voucher)
● 2nd referrer - Rs.3,100 + Early bird access to the quiz + certificate + free IELTS/preparation course ( or option for Amazon voucher)
● 3rd referrer - Rs.2,100 + Early bird access to the quiz + certificate + free IELTS/preparation course ( or option for Amazon voucher)
● Ranks 4th - 10th : Rs.1,000 in cash prizes (each)
The Bigger Picture
Hackathons have historically done something extraordinary: they energize ecosystems. Skype did it for Estonia. Garage48 did it for hundreds of European startups. Now, PharmaHackers has the chance to do it for India’s pharmacy community. The pharmaceutical industry is already India’s crown jewel. What’s missing is the mindset that pharmacists are more than dispensers; they’re leaders, builders, and innovators. If even a handful of PharmaHackers alumni go on to create startups, conduct groundbreaking research, or influence policy shifts, the impact will be felt for years.
Time to Hack the Future of Pharmacy
Pharmacists have always been essential. But now, with PharmaHackers 2025, they have a stage to prove they can be visionary too. Instead of just saying “Happy Pharmacists Day” this September, pharmacy students and young professionals have the chance to do something far more powerful: build, innovate, and rewrite the story of pharmacy in India. Registrations are now open. Maybe it’s time to roll up your sleeves.
