Mumbai: As India increasingly looks towards technology to solve complex, citizen-facing challenges, the ability to first identify the right problem and understand its human impact is becoming as important as developing the technology itself. Reflecting this approach, Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool) hosted the We4Tech 6.0 Exhibition & Final Jury Round, providing students with a platform to develop and showcase technology-enabled solutions to real-world problems.

The sixth edition witnessed enthusiastic participation from 101 teams comprising 606 students, up from 76 teams in the previous edition. Following multiple stages of evaluation, 12 teams were shortlisted for the final jury round, where students presented their projects and ideas before the jury. The shortlisted teams included Jalnidhi, Vendorverse and Prism, among others, with the projects reflecting a wide range of citizen-focused challenges.

Some of the projects showcased at the exhibition addressed everyday challenges through practical, technology-enabled solutions. The students explained that one project focused on the lack of hyper-local, real-time information on waterlogged roads during Mumbai’s monsoons, using a crowd-sourced application where people can report waterlogging, share photographs and provide updates, with AI-based verification to ensure reliability. Another project addressed the challenge of tracking expenses and developing consistent savings habits, transforming conventional expense tracking into a gamified experience where users can set personal savings goals, receive alerts when they move away from those goals and use a virtual pet to create an emotional connection with saving. The students highlighted that their aim was to make these solutions more relevant, interactive and useful in everyday life.

Prof. Kaustubh Dhargalkar, Dean – Business Design, Innowe, NISP & REDX, WeSchool, said, “The enthusiasm among the students is overwhelming. Last year we had 76 teams, and this year we have 101, demonstrating the rising interest and comfort with technology to create tech-enabled solutions for citizen-facing problems. What is particularly encouraging is that some of these solutions have the potential to reach relevant stakeholders beyond the exhibition. Through initiatives such as Global Citizen Leader (GCL), where we collaborate with close to 100 companies on live projects, we continue to create opportunities for students to take their ideas beyond the classroom.”

The exhibition also brought together industry professionals and visitors, enabling them to interact with student teams and explore the solutions firsthand. As part of the initiative, relevant projects will also be taken forward for consideration with appropriate stakeholders, creating opportunities for promising ideas to move beyond the academic environment and towards potential real-world application.

An Audience Poll further added a public dimension to the exhibition, allowing visitors to explore the projects, interact with participants and vote for the Most Impressive Project. पेड़Care emerged as the People’s Choice Award winner, highlighting the audience’s appreciation for student-led innovation with social relevance.

Bengaluru, June 13, 2026 – In a significant step toward leveraging technology for social impact, students from the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at East Point College of Engineering & Technology (EPCET), Bengaluru, have developed an innovative “Smart Women Security System Using IoT” – a compact wearable safety device designed to provide real-time emergency assistance and improve women’s personal safety.

Developed by students Abhinav Mallappa Radder, Abhishek Gowda MS, Madhan M S, and Rekha S under the guidance of Dr. Kesavan M V, the project integrates multiple technologies including GSM, GPS, IoT sensors, cloud connectivity, and health monitoring systems into a single intelligent safety platform.

The wearable prototype is designed to detect emergency situations such as sudden falls, abnormal movement, unsafe surroundings, or distress scenarios, and instantly send SMS alerts with live GPS location to family members or emergency contacts. Unlike many existing safety applications that rely heavily on smartphones and internet connectivity, the system is capable of functioning through GSM-based communication, ensuring better reliability during emergencies.

The project incorporates several advanced safety features including real-time GPS tracking and GSM-based emergency alerts that instantly share the user’s live location during distress situations. The device is also equipped with accelerometer sensors capable of detecting sudden falls and unusual movements, while an integrated MQ-3 sensor helps identify the presence of alcohol in nearby surroundings. In addition, the system monitors vital health parameters such as heart rate and body temperature and uploads the data to the Blynk cloud platform for remote access. To further enhance safety, the prototype includes a camera activation feature for evidence collection during emergencies along with a low-voltage self-defense deterrent mechanism designed for immediate response situations.

The prototype was successfully tested under controlled conditions and demonstrated reliable GSM connectivity, GPS accuracy, emergency alert transmission, and effective sensor-based monitoring. The students noted that while the device has shown promising results at the prototype stage, additional real-world testing and regulatory compliance would be required before commercial deployment.

Speaking about the project, Dr. Manimozhi I, Head of the Department, CSE, EPCET, said: “This project reflects our institution’s commitment to fostering innovation in socially relevant domains. Women’s safety is a critical issue, and the integration of technology-driven solutions like this device demonstrates the potential of student-led research to make a real-world impact.”

Commenting on the project, Dr. Kesavan M V, Associate Professor, CSE, EPCET and Project Guide, said: “The team has successfully combined multiple technologies including GPS, GSM, alcohol detection, and health monitoring into a compact prototype aimed at enhancing women’s safety. The results achieved so far are promising and showcase the students’ technical capabilities and dedication toward solving real-world challenges.”

The project also highlights how affordable embedded systems and IoT-enabled solutions can play an important role in building safer public environments for women. With future enhancements such as AI-based threat detection, mobile app integration, and direct emergency service connectivity, the system has the potential to evolve into a scalable smart safety solution.

This occasion coincides with the Centenary Celebration of our revered founder of Vivekanand Education Society, Karmayogi Late Shri. Hashuji Advani. To honor his inspiration, enduring legacy, visionary leadership, and strong value systems, the Vivekanand Education Society is organizing a series of meaningful academic and cultural initiatives under the theme “Gen Z for Nation Building.” The inauguration of this Tinkerer’s Lab stands as a true reflection of that spirit, empowering young minds to innovate, create, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Dr. (Mrs.) J. M. Nair, Principal, Vivekanand Education Society’s Institute of Technology (VESIT). “At VESIT, we see engineering as an act of curiosity in motion. The Tinkerers’ Lab creates a culture where students are encouraged to question assumptions, dismantle ideas, rebuild them, and discover solutions that are both inventive and responsible.”

Chief Guest Shri. Anil Bhatia, Vice President and Managing Director, Emerson Automation Solutions, said, “In today’s landscape, technical knowledge alone is not a differentiator. What truly sets future engineers apart is their ability to experiment without hesitation. Platforms like this lab cultivate that confidence, which is essential for leadership in modern industry.”

Gautam Khanna, President & CEO, Maker Bhavan Foundation, said, “Engineering talent flourishes when students are trusted with real tools and real challenges. When students are given the autonomy to experiment, the responsibility to execute, and the space to learn from iteration, they develop not just technical competence, but professional maturity that stays with them long after graduation.”

The lab creates a dynamic place where students can freely experiment, build prototypes by applying their theoretical knowledge practically, and engage across disciplines. This will help them develop both engineering expertise and an entrepreneurial mindset to tackle real- world problems. Through partnership with Maker Bhavan Foundation, VESIT is cultivating a robust culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, producing engineers equipped for tomorrow’s dynamic tech landscape.

National, February 11^th , 2026: Today’s classrooms are no longer confined to textbooks and chalkboards, they are hubs of high-tech innovation where students are actively building the future. This evolution was on full display at the Meena Bhujbal School of Excellence during the prestigious World Skill Challenge 2025. In a stellar showcase of talent, Gopi Birla Memorial School students Aarav Gupta and Aaliya Gupta of Class 6 clinched the 2nd Prize in Plane Building Aeromodelling, proving that the next generation is more than ready to lead in the age of technology.

The competition, held in collaboration with Aerobay, brought together 40 teams and over 100 students from 11 schools to compete in 13 cutting-edge categories. From Robotics and Design Thinking to E-Sports and Battle Bots, the event highlighted how modern students are mastering complex skills that were once reserved for professionals. The atmosphere was charged with creativity as young minds navigated the technicalities of Aeromodelling, including drone technology and rocket launching, demonstrating a level of technical fluency that defines today’s generation.

The event’s prestige was further elevated by the presence of Mr. Vijayraj Madhukar Pawar, a veteran of the Indian Air Force with two decades of expertise in aerospace technology. Currently with Gravity Flying India, Mr. Pawar’s mentorship served as a bridge between today’s aspiring students and the real-world industries they are destined to transform. His participation underscored the event’s role in identifying and nurturing the technological leaders of tomorrow.

Speaking on this milestone, Suchita Malakar, Principal, Gopi Birla Memorial School said, “We are incredibly proud of Aarav Gupta and Aaliya Gupta for their outstanding performance at the World Skill Challenge 2025. This milestone is not just a win for our students, but a celebration of hands-on STEM learning. We look forward to cheering them on as they represent us at the National Round in Delhi.”

As Aarav Gupta and Aaliya Gupta prepare to take flight on the national stage in Delhi, the entire school community celebrates this milestone, confident that their success is only the beginning of a journey toward shaping the leaders of tomorrow.