Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 17: The fourth edition of HackToFuture (HTF) 4.0, a 36-hour national-level hackathon, concluded successfully at St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Vamanjoor. The event, held from April 15 to 17, was jointly organized by SJEC and EGDK India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Denmark-based EG A/S.
The hackathon witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 3,000 registrations and participation from nearly 700 teams across the country. Following a rigorous screening process, 41 teams were shortlisted for the final round. The problem statements, curated by EGDK India, reflected real-time industry challenges, ensuring practical relevance and innovation-driven solutions. Participants were mentored throughout the event by experts from EGDK India and EG A/S, Denmark, while the final evaluation was conducted by a distinguished panel of industry professionals. The event was supported by other sponsors including Cyril Lobo, Xtransmatrix, Straecon, Wisdom Ed, and NTG.
The valedictory programme commenced with a video presentation highlighting key moments from HackToFuture 4.0, followed by an invocation by the college choir. The dignitaries were escorted to the dais by the faculty convenors. Dr Melwyn D’Souza, head of the department of computer science and engineering, welcomed the gathering and presented an overview of the HTF 4.0 statistics.
This year’s hackathon focused on four major themes — devops, cloud architecture, open innovation, and cyber security — challenging participants to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. A total cash prize of Rs 4 lacs was awarded to the top-performing teams.
The event was inaugurated by Jeevan D’Souza, senior HR head & country lead, EGDK India, in the presence of Dileep Chakravardan, team manager, EGDK India, and Raghu Anand, global head of technology learning & development/training, EG A/S. The programme was also graced by Fr Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, director, SJEC; Fr Kenneth R Crasta, assistant director; and Dr Rio D’Souza, principal, SJEC, along with programme convenors Diana Monteiro and Dr Shrisha H S.
Addressing the gathering, Jeevan D’Souza expressed his enthusiasm for the continued success of the hackathon, noting its growth and increasing impact each year. He emphasized the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of the technology industry and highlighted the invaluable learning experience gained by participants in teamwork, time management, and innovation under pressure during the 36-hour event.
In his presidential address, Fr Wilfred Prakash D’Souza commended the participants for showcasing their talent and potential. He expressed gratitude to EGDK India for its continued support and collaboration, and remarked that “the future is not something that happens to us, but something we build.”
The programme also featured felicitation of the chief guest, guests of honour, judges, industry mentors, faculty convenors, student lead convenors, and organizing committee members in recognition of their dedication and efforts in ensuring the smooth execution of the event.
The winners of various categories were honored as per the following:
Open Innovation:
Winners: OBSIDIAN from Cambridge Institute of Technology, North Campus, Devanahalli, Karnataka
Runners up: ABRA CODE ABRA from P.A College of Engineering, Mangalore.
DevOps:
Winners: BROKENCODE from National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal.
Runners up: LOGIC LOOPERS from St Joseph Engineering College, Mangaluru.
Cybersecurity:
Winners: BOSS BANDITS from St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor
Runners up: NOVAQ from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Cloud Architecture:
Winners: CODECLAN from KLE Technological University (KLE Tech), Hubli
Runners up: CLUELESS from AJ Institute of Engineering and Technology (AJIET), Mangalore, Karnataka
Dr Harivinod, head of the department of intelligent computing and business systems, delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Aroma Peris.
HackToFuture 4.0, the flagship initiative of the training and placement cell in association with the departments of computer science and engineering and intelligent computing and business systems, brought together some of the brightest young innovators from across the nation. The event successfully underscored the importance of collaboration, creativity, and technological excellence, reinforcing SJEC’s commitment to fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Participants also shared positive feedback, appreciating the learning opportunities and industry exposure provided through the hackathon.
EG: Market-leading vendor of Nordic Vertical Software:
EG is a software product development company headquartered in Denmark, with additional offices in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Poland, Spain, and India. The company is a market-leading vendor of Nordic vertical software for private and public customers. EG focuses on developing and delivering innovative software solutions and services that help businesses optimize their operations and achieve their goals. EG opened their first Indian office in Kapikad - Mangaluru in late 2022 and has a strong workforce of over 850+ working in Mangalore.
Currently located at WRKWRK, Expertise Triangle, NH 66, Kottara Chowki, Mangalore.