From left to right – Mr. Pankaj Diwan, Founder & CEO of Idealabs, Mr. Neeraj Athalye, Vice President at Icertis, Dr. Rohini Somnath Patil, Founder and CEO of Nutracy Lifestyle, and Dr. Vishal Wadajkar, Dean of Commerce and Management at DYPDPU |
Dr. D. Y. Patil Dnyan Prasad University’s School of Management and Research, in collaboration with Idealabs and TalentFarm.ai, successfully organized DYPDPU Hackathon 1.0, a 30-hour innovation marathon focused on Emerging Technologies. Held on March 7-8, 2025, the event brought together students, developers, and startups from across India to solve real-world challenges using cutting-edge technologies like GenAI, artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT, and robotics.
Inaugural Ceremony and Keynote Address
The inaugural function was graced by Chief Guest, Mr. Neeraj Athalye, alongside distinguished mentors, experts, and participants who share a passion for innovation and problem-solving. The event also extended a warm welcome to Mr. Pankaj Diwan, a leader in technology and entrepreneurship, and Dr. Rohini Somnath Patil, Founder and CEO of Nutracy Lifestyle and Executive Director at Dr. D. Y. Patil Public School, Pune. In his address, Dr. Vishal Wadajkar, Director of DYPDPU’s School of Management & Research, emphasized the significance of platforms like hackathons in enhancing creativity and skill development among young technologists. Mr. Pankaj Diwan, Founder of Idealabs and TalentFarm.ai, highlighted how such initiatives provide participants with opportunities for investment, mentorship, and career advancements.
Event Highlights
The hackathon saw curated teams working tirelessly over 30 hours to develop innovative solutions. Participants engaged in:
Networking with industry leaders;
Exploring placement and investment opportunities;
Competing for cash prizes and awards;
Collaborating with top minds in the industry.
A key highlight of the event was the involvement of 30+ top-notch industry leaders, who mentored hackathon teams and judged the competition. Selected teams received guidance from industry experts, helping them brainstorm, prototype, and refine their ideas before presenting their final solutions. The event culminated in final presentations, where teams showcased impactful solutions evaluated on creativity, feasibility, and real-world applicability.
Closing Remarks
DYPDPU Hackathon 1.0 reaffirmed Dr. D. Y. Patil Dnyan Prasad University’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, innovation, and technological advancements. The School of Management and Research remains dedicated to providing platforms that empower students to transform ideas into impactful solutions.
