A Hackathon in collaboration with Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (VUAS), IPS Setúbal, Portugal, and Pondicherry University, Puducherry, implementing the EU-funded SIPAS Project The AR/VR Hackathon, organized for the students of NITHM, Pondicherry University, and MANUU, was successfully conducted in collaboration with the CSIT Department of MANUU, with full technical support from the CSIT technical team and laboratory facilities. The event witnessed active participation from students, faculty, and staff, providing an excellent platform to explore and engage with emerging technologies in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). Prof. V. Venkata Ramana, Director, NITHM, highlighted the significance of the initiative, emphasizing the state-of-the-art laboratory facilities available at MANUU. He noted that these resources, along with the support of Prof. Arnis and other key collaborators, played a pivotal role in the successful conduct of the Hackathon, which offered students hands-on exposure to AR/VR technologies..

The delegation, led by Prof. V. Venkata Ramana, Director, NITHM, met the Vice-Chancellor of MANUU, Prof. Syed Hasan. The Hackathon brought together distinguished academics and experts including Prof. Agita Livinia, Ms. Marite Balanuka, Dr. Arnis Cyrulus, Dr. Galina Bukovska, Dr. Edmund Jansons, Dr. Laurios Taube, Prof. Sampada Kumar Swain (Pondicherry University), Prof. Venkata Rao Y, and Prof. Sibi. Prof. Sameen Fathima, Director, UGC-MMMTTC. They interacted with the participants and shared valuable insights into emerging trends in AR/VR. Alongside the Hackathon, a consortium delegation from Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Latvia), Pondicherry University, and NITHM also held discussions with Prof. Syed Hasan, Vice-Chancellor, MANUU. The deliberations focused on the National Education Policy (NEP), central university networking for resource sharing, collaborative academic possibilities, and an overview of MANUU’s campus and its regional centres across India. As part of the Hackathon, eight teams were constituted, each comprising five students. The teams were tasked with brainstorming and developing innovative AR/VR-based solutions. Throughout the day, the participants worked on conceptualizing prototypes and preparing presentations. The teams will showcase their final outputs tomorrow as part of the competition.

Guidance and support for the program was extended by Prof. Abdul Wahid, Dean, MANUU; technical guidance and support of the team from CSIT and AR/VR Lab, Mr. Vaashim Mazhar, Project Manager, MANUU; Mr. Ganesh, Lead AR/VR Team, MANUU; and Dr. N. Yadagiri, Hackathon In-charge, NITHM Technical Team. The SIPAS Project Team, led by Dr. M. K. Ganesh (Convenor) and Dr. D. Maheshwara Reddy (Co-Convenor), along with other members, contributed significantly to the successful conduct of the workshop.

The Vice-Chancellor of MANUU, Prof. Syed Hasan, congratulated the Director, NITHM, for organizing this impactful event, which provided students with valuable practical experience relevant to both academia and industry. He also emphasized the importance of such initiatives in strengthening academic cooperation and advancing technological education.The event marks a significant step in promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between academic institutions, industry partners, and international organisations, paving the way for future academic and technological advancements.

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