DevHack: A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) hosted DevHack, a prestigious national-level hackathon that brought together over 500 participants from across the country. This dynamic event provided a platform for 51 teams, including 16 online participants, to tackle real-world challenges using cutting-edge technologies like AI, ML, IoT, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Over two action-packed days, participants demonstrated their problem-solving skills, creativity, and technical expertise in an intense but collaborative environment.
The event commenced with a grand inauguration ceremony, setting an inspiring tone for the hackathon. Esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Shrisha Rao, Professor and Dean at IIIT Bangalore and an ACM Distinguished Speaker, delivered an insightful keynote address that resonated deeply with the participants. Dr. Amit Bhatt, In-charge Vice-Chancellor of DSU, motivated the participants to pursue excellence and embrace challenges with confidence. Dr. Udaya Kumar Reddy K R, Dean of the School of Engineering, commended the DevHack student team and the DSU-ACM student chapter for their exceptional efforts in organizing the event. He encouraged them to aim for even greater milestones, such as hosting international-level competitions.
The hackathon officially kicked off on 27th September 2024 with the first round of brainstorming and coding sprints starting at 10:00 AM. Participants worked tirelessly to develop innovative solutions, tackling challenges that combined creativity, feasibility, and real-world impact. The day also featured a mentorship session from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM, where experts provided guidance and insights to refine the teams’ ideas. The first evaluation round followed, conducted from 9:30 PM to 11:00 PM, focusing on originality, practicality, and presentation.
Day two began early with an elimination round starting at 6:00 AM. This second evaluation stage was a critical filter, leaving only 19 teams in the running for the final round. The pressure was high, but the participants persevered, delivering exceptional results. The third and final evaluation round took place in the evening, culminating in the announcement of the winners.
The results highlighted the incredible talent and creativity displayed throughout the event. Team DevCoders from RV College of Engineering secured the first position, while Team ElectroStorm from Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering clinched the second. The third position was shared by Team 1% from COER University and Team Nah, I’d Win from Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering. The Online Hackathon was won by Team Dhrisya, whose innovation and creativity stood out among the competition.
The event concluded with a heartfelt closing ceremony, celebrating the hard work and achievements of all participants and organizers. DevHack not only provided an opportunity for students to engage in intense coding and problem-solving but also fostered a spirit of collaboration and learning, bridging the gap between academia and industry. With its success, DevHack has set a new benchmark for hackathons and has paved the way for future editions to inspire even greater innovation.
