HITS Chennai Students Bag First Place at WTUN International Student Competition 2024

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS), Chennai is proud to announce that our students from the department of Aerospace Engineering have won the first prize in the WTUN International Student Competition 2024, earning a cash reward of 300 pounds (approximately 1,20,000 rupees) each.

The World Technology Universities Network (WTUN), headquartered at the University of Bradford, UK, organized this online competition in the month of April on Inclusive Technology and Global Citizenship for the 21st Century, focusing on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A total of 16 teams from around the globe participated, with HITS emerging as the global winner.

In second place was Team 'PhosLumina' from Atlantic Technological University, Ireland, while Team 'Let it Go, Let it Flow' from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, secured third place.

The competition invited students to develop and present projects that implement new and inclusive solutions to address SDGs. Many institutions from around the globe participated in the competitive event, with HITS emerging as the global winner.

Team Neel Gendh - Water Ball, consisting of Aparajethaa K, Vasudheva S L, Ashna Thomas, and Sharan Raaj B from the Aerospace Engineering department, clinched the first prize with their innovative project addressing Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water.

Their project tackled the technical, social, economic, and regional challenges associated with providing clean water, particularly targeting marginalized communities. The solution aims to improve health, reduce the burden on women and girls, and promote sustainability by offering an affordable and efficient alternative to traditional water treatment methods.

In addition to the cash prizes awarded to the top three teams, the first-place team has also been invited to present their winning idea online as part of the World Technology Universities Network's Annual Congress programme in October.

Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chancellor of HITS, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the team: "I am immensely proud of our students for their outstanding achievement at the WTUN International Student Competition 2024. Their innovative approach to addressing the critical issue of clean water exemplifies HITS commitment towards achieving the SDG's 2030 set by the UN. This victory not only highlights the exceptional talent within our institution but also our commitment to Sustainable Development Goals. I encourage all students to continue their innovative research, incubate ideas and develop inclusive solutions that can make a significant impact on the society."