Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 13: AquaSync AI, an artificial intelligence-based aquaculture management platform developed by three first-year BTech students of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, has earned a place among the top five innovations at the NASSCOM Technology Confluence (NTC) 2026 in Bengaluru.
The team was selected from 80 shortlisted teams across Karnataka at the student innovation showcase held at Radisson Blu on October 9. The team comprises Harsharaj Shetty B, Sharanya Shetty, and Trisha H, all first-year BTech students in electronics and communication engineering (ECE) at the university’s school of engineering.
Organised around the theme ‘Redefining Value in an Intelligent World’, NTC 2026 brought together technology leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry representatives to explore emerging technologies and their applications across sectors.
AquaSync AI combines artificial intelligence, continuous water-quality monitoring, and automated control systems to improve aquaculture management. The platform monitors pond conditions, predicts potentially hazardous changes before they become critical, and automatically regulates aeration systems and pumps to safeguard fish stocks. By enabling timely intervention, the solution aims to reduce the risk of mass fish mortality and support more efficient aquaculture practices.
Priyank Kharge, minister for IT/BT, government of Karnataka, visited the team’s stall and suggested that the students approach the state government for support in further developing AquaSync AI.
The project also attracted considerable interest from industry professionals, including technologists, startup founders, and senior delegates. Interactions throughout the day provided the students with feedback on potential applications, product positioning, and ways to make the platform more directly useful to fish farmers. The team is evaluating these suggestions as part of its future development roadmap.
Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice-chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), congratulated the students and wished them success in their endeavour. He assured them of the university’s support in their mission to develop AquaSync AI into an impactful product and a startup.
Reflecting on their experience, the students said, “Experts from very different fields came together and mentored us, and the sessions were genuinely insightful; there was so much to take away. The NASSCOM team was extremely supportive throughout and helped us understand their new initiatives and the kind of support available to young teams.”
AquaSync AI is mentored by Dr Glenson Toney, assistant dean, school of engineering, and Dr S Ruban, dean, school of engineering, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University). The recognition highlights the students’ initiative in applying emerging technologies to practical challenges and the institution’s focus on nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry engagement among aspiring engineers.