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JAMMU: Students from the Design Your Degree (DYD) B.Tech (Artificial Intelligence & Mathematical Innovations) program at the University of Jammu have brought laurels to the institution by securing the runner-up position at the state-level hackathon organized by the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora.
The seven-member winning team comprised Adil Mahajan, Tavishi Amla, Pawandeep Singh, Bhoomi Samnotra, Avichal Badyal, Gourav Sharma, and Suhani Behl, who demonstrated exceptional technical proficiency, creativity, and teamwork throughout the competition. Mr. Mohsin Hassan, Research Assistant at the University of Jammu, accompanied and guided the students during the event, providing valuable support and mentorship throughout the competition.
A felicitation ceremony recognizing this remarkable achievement was held at the Vice Chancellor's Secretariat, University of Jammu. Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umesh Rai, congratulated the students for their outstanding performance and lauded their spirit of innovation and collaboration.
During the ceremony, Prof. Rai underscored the critical importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in fostering a robust culture of innovation and research within the university ecosystem. He encouraged students to not only innovate but also to file IPRs for the projects developed during the 48-hour hackathon recently organized by the University of Jammu, emphasizing that protecting original ideas is essential for translating academic innovations into real-world impact and commercial viability.
Prof. Rai described the Design Your Degree (DYD) program as a visionary and transformative initiative under the Skill Incubation Innovation Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIEDC), which aims to integrate entrepreneurial thinking and innovation-driven learning into technical education. He appreciated the pivotal role of SIIEDC in nurturing a new generation of innovators and problem-solvers equipped to address contemporary challenges.
Prof. Rai directed the concerned mentor, Dr. Jatinder Manhas, Associate Director of SIIEDC, to organize more such training programs that provide robust industrial exposure and extended internship opportunities across diverse industries. He emphasized that these initiatives should focus on enhancing students’ hands-on learning experiences, enabling them to develop practical skills, file patents, and establish innovative startups.
Prof. Alka Sharma, Director of SIIEDC, expressed immense pride in the students' achievement, stating that their success is a testament to the University's growing focus on innovation, research, and experiential learning. "This achievement validates our approach of providing students with platforms that challenge them to apply their knowledge in competitive environments. SIIEDC is committed to creating more such opportunities," she said.
Prof. K.S. Charak, University of Jammu, congratulated the students and emphasized the critical role of logical and analytical reasoning in driving innovation. He encouraged students to continue applying mathematical thinking as a strong foundation for creative technological problem-solving and interdisciplinary research. "The combination of mathematical innovation with artificial intelligence, as embodied in the DYD program, is precisely what the industry and society need today," he remarked.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by faculty members, administrative staff, and research scholars from various departments. During the interaction, the students enthusiastically shared their experiences from the hackathon, discussing the technical and logistical challenges they faced, the dynamic and competitive learning environment at IUST, and how the competition inspired them to enhance their problem-solving abilities, technical skills, and collaborative teamwork.
The students expressed deep gratitude for the support provided by the University and SIIEDC in facilitating their participation and preparation for such prestigious competitions. They acknowledged that the exposure to competitive environments and real-world problem-solving has been invaluable in their academic and professional development.
In an exciting announcement, it was revealed that several DYD students will soon represent the University of Jammu at an International Conference scheduled to be held at the Bhaderwah Campus, further showcasing the department's commitment to global academic engagement and research excellence. This opportunity will provide students with a platform to present their innovative work to an international audience and collaborate with researchers and academicians from around the world.
Concluding the event, Prof. Umesh Rai reaffirmed the University's unwavering vision of strengthening research, innovation, and entrepreneurship as core pillars of academic excellence. He noted that under his leadership, the University has achieved several significant milestones that reflect its commitment to quality education and holistic development.
He emphasized that the University's focus on innovation and entrepreneurship is not just about winning competitions, but about creating a mindset that encourages students to be job creators rather than job seekers. "We want our graduates to be confident, skilled, and capable of leading change in their respective fields. Initiatives like SIIEDC and programs like Design Your Degree are central to achieving this vision," he added.
The success of the DYD students at the IUST hackathon exemplifies the effectiveness of the University's strategic initiatives in fostering an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship. It demonstrates how the integration of cutting-edge technical education with entrepreneurial thinking, supported by robust institutional frameworks like SIIEDC, can empower students to compete and excel at state, national, and international levels.
The University continues to invest in creating infrastructure, forming strategic partnerships, and developing programs that prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. With dedicated centres like SIIEDC leading the charge, the University of Jammu is well-positioned to become a leading institution in innovation and entrepreneurship development in the region.