Student innovators build AI-powered solutions for EdTech and FinTech using Google technologies
Bhubaneswar: Birla Global University (BGU), a premier university from Birla Group, successfully hosted the “Next Mind 12” Gen AI Hackathon in Collaboration with Google Developer Group (GDC) on campus. Various talented student developers from several universities and institutes across Odisha participated in this 12-hour innovative hackathon.
The Hackathon featured two key tracks, “EdTech” and “FinTech, in which the participants designed and developed real-world, scalable solutions using cutting-edge Google technologies, including Gemini and Google Cloud. The event highlighted the growing role of generative AI in reshaping education delivery systems, financial services, and digital problem-solving frameworks. A total of 20 teams participated in the event, showcasing strong technical expertise and creativity in applying Gen AI tools to enhance personalised learning, streamline financial processes, and improve accessibility and efficiency across the sectors.
The event was judged by a panel of distinguished industry experts, including Arya Vedabrata, CEO of ByteIQ Analytics; Subham Acharya, Director of FxUAV; Akash Jaiswal, CEO of Wooble; and Smruti Ranjan Dhal, Senior Consultant at TCS.
Congratulating the participants, Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Vice Chancellor, BGU, said, “Experiential learning plays a crucial role in preparing our young innovators for a future reshaped by Artificial Intelligence. Through innovative initiatives such as hackathons at BGU, we encourage curious and creative minds to come forward and compete. By hosting platforms such as the ‘Next Mind 12’ Gen AI Hackathon, the university is nurturing future-ready technologists and entrepreneurs capable of contributing meaningfully to India’s evolving digital economy.”
Highlighting the academic significance of the event, Prof. Sanjay Kuanar, Dean, School of Engineering & Technology, BGU, said, “The Next Mind 12 GenAI Hackathon bridges classroom learning with real-world application. Such initiatives foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation, enabling students to translate ideas into impactful, practical solutions, enabling students to translate ideas into impactful solutions.”
The team from IIIT Bhubaneswar emerged as the winner, and the trophy, along with a cash prize of ₹25,000, was presented by Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Birla Global University. The first and second runner-up positions were secured by teams from CV Raman Global University and Birla Global University, who received cash prizes of ₹15,000 and ₹10,000, respectively.
Birla Global University continues to promote a strong culture of innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and industry engagement..
