Puttur: A 32-hour hackathon titled ‘Innovate Hack 2K26' was formally inaugurated today at the postgraduate auditorium of St Philomena Autonomous College, marking the first-ever event of its kind in Puttur. The hackathon is jointly organized by Start-up Karnataka, K-Tech Innovation Hub, the New Age Incubation Network of the college, and the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC).
Presiding over the inaugural ceremony, the Principal of the college, Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, emphasized that there is much to learn from the lives and struggles of successful individuals. He observed that every achiever’s story offers reflective life lessons. While people often focus solely on outcomes, he stated that clarity of goals and unwavering, wholehearted effort inevitably lead to success. He further remarked that society abounds in creators and commentators of problems, but problem-solvers are rare. Therefore, he urged students to belong to the latter category. Appreciating the participating teams for striving to provide innovative solutions rather than merely imitating existing ideas, he congratulated the organizers for offering undergraduate and postgraduate students valuable opportunities to plan and innovate during their academic journey.
The Chief Guest, Dr Reuben S, Dean of the School of Engineering at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), noted that problem-solvers draw inspiration from their surroundings and often devise innovative solutions to challenges they personally encounter. He stressed that problem-solving is an essential skill that students must cultivate from the early stages of their education. In addition, he underscored the importance of possessing a clear vision. According to him, boundless passion and enthusiasm for one’s work prevent individuals from yielding in difficult circumstances, as such zeal empowers them to confront challenges with courage. He concluded by encouraging students to remain ever vibrant and dynamic.
The program began with a prayer by Surabhi and Shreya. Mr Abhishek Suvarna, District Innovative Associate of the New Age Incubation Network, delivered the welcome address. Dr Vinayachandra, Project Coordinator of the Network, proposed the vote of thanks. Senior students P. M. Venugopal, Karthik K. R., Havyas, Jeevan, Disha Pearl Mascarenhas, and Gaurish are serving as mentors to the participating teams. The event was compered by Dr Geetha Poornima K, IIC Coordinator of the college. Faculty members from the Department of Computer Science Akshatha B., Suraksha S., Neelam Kuttappa, Rashmi V., and Shodhan (PG)were also present.
The 32-hour continuous hackathon features 30 teams, each comprising four students. The teams will attempt to develop innovative solutions to problems in the fields of education, agriculture, smart cities, and sustainable development. Guidance will be provided by experts in Artificial Intelligence and industry professionals, along with senior students of the college. Registration was offered free of cost, and following a preliminary evaluation, thirty teams were selected to participate. Expressing his delight at the overwhelming enthusiasm of the students, Mr Abhishek Suvarna stated that their boundless energy and commitment are truly encouraging.
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