VESIT Students Win Vishwakarma Awards 2025 at IIT Indore for GPS-Denied Drone Innovation
In a remarkable achievement, Harsh Tejwani and Mohammed Ujjainwala, both fourth-year students from the Department of Automation and Robotics at Vivekanand Education Society’s Institute of Technology (VESIT), have won the prestigious Vishwakarma Awards 2025. This esteemed event was held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore and organized by the Maker Bhavan Foundation.
About the Award and Event
The Vishwakarma Awards are a significant recognition in the field of engineering and technology, celebrating innovative projects that address real-world challenges. This year’s competition attracted participation from over 3,600 undergraduate and postgraduate STEM students across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. The event showcased a variety of projects, but only a select few made it to the finals.
Competition Overview
From an initial pool of 1,000 teams, only 12 finalist teams progressed through multiple rounds of prototyping, technical evaluation, and expert mentoring to reach the final stage. The competition emphasized not only technical skills but also creativity and problem-solving abilities.
The Winning Project: GPS-Denied Drone
The VAYU-SETU team, led by Harsh and Mohammed, secured first place in the Smart Mobility category with their innovative GPS-denied drone project. This project addresses critical navigation challenges in environments where GPS signals are unavailable or unreliable, such as urban canyons or indoor spaces.
Technical Details of the Project
The GPS-denied drone utilizes advanced algorithms and sensor technologies to navigate autonomously without relying on GPS. Key features of the project include:
- Sensor Fusion: Combining data from various sensors to enhance navigation accuracy.
- Real-Time Data Processing: Utilizing onboard processing capabilities to make instantaneous navigation decisions.
- Obstacle Avoidance: Implementing advanced algorithms to detect and avoid obstacles in real-time.
- Autonomous Flight: Enabling the drone to operate independently in complex environments.
This innovation not only showcases the technical prowess of the students but also has significant implications for various industries, including logistics, surveillance, and disaster management.
Recognition and Impact
Upon receiving the award, Dr. Jayalekshmi M. Nair, Principal of VESIT, expressed her pride in the students’ accomplishments. She stated, “This remarkable achievement by our students is a reflection of VESIT’s strong focus on experiential learning, innovation, and interdisciplinary excellence. Harsh and Mohammed have demonstrated how young engineers can develop solutions with real-world relevance and national impact. We are extremely proud of their success and grateful to Maker Bhavan Foundation and IIT Indore for providing such a powerful platform for student innovators.”
Future Implications
The success of Harsh and Mohammed serves as an inspiration for other engineering students. Their project not only highlights the importance of innovation in technology but also encourages peers to think critically about solving real-world problems. The recognition they received can open doors for further research opportunities and collaborations in the field of robotics and automation.
Conclusion
The achievement of VESIT students at the Vishwakarma Awards 2025 is a testament to the quality of education and innovation fostered at the institute. As technology continues to evolve, the contributions of young engineers like Harsh Tejwani and Mohammed Ujjainwala will play a crucial role in shaping the future of various industries. Their GPS-denied drone project is just one example of how innovative thinking can lead to practical solutions that address pressing challenges in our society.
Note: The Vishwakarma Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the importance of collaboration and mentorship in engineering education. It is essential for educational institutions to continue providing platforms for students to showcase their talents and innovations.
