Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 27: 'OpenLoop 2026', a national-level 24-hour hackathon, concluded successfully at the YMK Auditorium, Kulur Campus of Yenepoya University on Saturday.
Organized by Yenepoya School of Engineering and Technology the event was held in collaboration with DK24, Nxtwave, and Kalvium, drawing participation from some of the brightest young minds across India.
The hackathon received an overwhelming response with 309 registrations nationwide, of which 96 top participants advanced to the final round for an intense 24-hour innovation sprint.
The event was inaugurated by Deveesh Shetty, founder, DK24. Dr Aswini Dutt R, registrar, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), and Dr R G D'Souza, dean, faculty of Engineering & Technology, were the guests of honour. The dignitaries lauded the efforts of the organizers and participants, stressing the importance of innovation-driven learning.
The event was spearheaded by Dr Prabhakara B K, with Keshav Sharma as coordinator. Projects were evaluated and participants mentored by a panel comprising Vaibhav Salian, AIML engineer, EG A/S; Joywin Bennis, software engineer, EG A/S; Darshan Dinesh Bhandary, infrastructure specialist, Kyndryl; and Adithya Poonja, business development executive, AIC NITTE Incubation Center.
The valedictory ceremony was graced by chief guest Rajesh K Karkera, director of IT, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), and presided over by Dr R G D'Souza. Dr Prabhakara B K and Keshav Sharma were also present. Students Chetan and Suha Almas compered the programme.
Winners of OpenLoop 2026:
First prize: SVYASA College, Bengaluru – Team lead Karan Raj K R, with Havinash Gangisetty and Saagnik Dey
Second prize: PACE, Mangaluru – Team lead Prateek D Shriyan, with Sharath S N, Rafan Ahamad Sheik, and Darel Oliver Tauro
Third prize: SDMIT, Ujire – Team lead Harshith, with Priya Bhargavi, Rakshitha C R, and Roopesh H N
A total prize pool of Rs 1,00,000 was awarded to the winners. With its successful execution, OpenLoop 2026 has set a new benchmark for student-led innovation under the Yentech Community, positioning Yenepoya School of Engineering and Technology as a vibrant hub for next-generation tech talent.