DabbaThon 2.0: Solve for the Six-Sigma Legends!

How do you improve on near-perfection? The Mumbai Dabbawalas are world-renowned for their Six-Sigma accuracy (only one error in six million transactions!), a feat that has earned them a place in the Guinness Book of World Records and the Limca Book of Records. For over 130 years, this iconic Indian heritage story has been the gold standard of logistics, operating with zero technology and 100% discipline.

Now, it’s your turn to write the next chapter of this legacy.

PES University’s Faculty of Management and Commerce invites you to DabbaThon 2.0, a 24-hour immersive hackathon designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and the grit of real-world operations. This is your chance to contribute high-value solutions to an organization that has been studied by Harvard and admired by royalty.

The Challenge: Tradition Meets Transformation
We aren't just looking for ideas; we are looking for feasible, scalable, and modern pathways to help this time-tested model thrive in a digital-first world.
Sample Problem Statements you will tackle:

• Market Expansion: Can the Mumbai model be replicated in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Chennai?
• Sustainable Digital Presence: Building a digital footprint without losing their traditional soul.
• Business Diversification: Evaluating the shift into centralized or cloud kitchens.
• Minimal-Tech Enablement: Using "light-touch" technology to improve coordination without replacing the human element.
• Brand Positioning: Making the Dabbawala story aspirational for the Gen-Z consumer.
   

Event Details

• Date: February 20th (2 PM) – February 21st (2 PM), 2026
• Venue: PES University, PESU 52
• Team Size: 5–6 participants (Minimum 5 mandatory)
• Registration Fee: ₹500 per team

Why Should You Register?

• Work on Live Problems: Get direct context-driven briefings from the Dabbawalas themselves.
• Industry Exposure: Engage with an iconic Indian service organization and present to an expert panel.
• High-Stakes Environment: Test your critical thinking, teamwork, and data-driven decision-making under a 24-hour clock.
• Impact: Your solution framework could be utilized by the Mumbai Dabbawalas to scale their future operations.
   

Don’t just study history—help shape its future.
Limited slots available. Register your team now!