KL University's Skill Palaver Hackathon Drives Industry-Academia Collaboration
KL Deemed to be University has achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of the third phase of "Skill Palaver," a comprehensive, project-based learning hackathon that spanned the entire academic year 2025–26. This innovative programme, orchestrated by the university's Skill Development Division, is specifically tailored for pre-final year students across all engineering disciplines, as well as BCA and MCA programmes. Its primary objective is to elevate students' industry preparedness by fostering experiential learning and cultivating measurable, outcome-driven competencies.
A Structured Three-Phase Model for Holistic Development
Skill Palaver is meticulously designed to integrate domain-focused hackathons directly into the curriculum of professional electives and industry-oriented skill courses. The initiative follows a well-defined three-phase model, implemented throughout the 2025–26 academic year to ensure a progressive and impactful learning journey.
Phase I – Learnathon (Odd Semester 2025–26): During the odd semester, interactive expert-led sessions were conducted across three structured slots. Students were immersed in real-world problem statements, emerging technology trends, solution frameworks, and development strategies spanning multiple high-demand domains. This phase laid the foundational knowledge and inspiration for the projects to come.
Phase II – Internal Review (Even Semester 2025–26): In the subsequent phase, student teams presented their preliminary designs, methodologies, and proof-of-concept developments. These presentations underwent structured internal evaluation by domain mentors, ensuring academic integration and establishing performance benchmarks to guide further refinement.
Phase III – Hackathon Review (Even Semester 2025–26): The culminating phase was scheduled in two key slots on February 21st and 28th, 2026. The first slot, successfully held from February 21st to 22nd, 2026, witnessed student teams showcasing fully developed prototypes and implementation strategies. These were presented before a panel of eminent industry experts for comprehensive evaluation, rigorous technical validation, and constructive feedback.
Multidisciplinary Domains and Esteemed Industry Reviewers
The hackathon activities encompassed a wide array of high-impact technological domains, ensuring multidisciplinary participation and relevance. These included:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Cloud Computing
- Data Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Software Engineering
- Game Design
- Embedded Systems
- Design & Analysis
- Structural Engineering
The reviews were conducted by distinguished industry experts from leading organizations, whose structured technical evaluations and industry-centric feedback added immense value to the final phase of Skill Palaver. The reviewers and their respective challenge domains were:
- AI & ML Challenge – 1: G. Anil Kumar Guggilla from Cisco
- Debug Drive Showdown: K. Tharun from E42 Light Information and Technology
- CyberScope: Analytics for Defence: Mr. Sainadh Jamalpur from H&M Group
- Cloud Challenge – 1: Palacharla Thathammadora from IBM
- Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking: D. Sai Satish from Indian Servers
- NLP Innovators Hack: Ram Sagar from Lloyd Technology Centre
- Data-Driven Emotion: Aditya Dua from MongoDB
- DeepHack 2025: Dr. B. B. M. Krishna Kanth from Persistent Systems
- CloudQ Buildathon: Rushi Keswar Reddy Lakkam from ResMed
- IntegriTech Buildathon: Poorna Chandra Reddy from Synopsys India Pvt. Ltd
- GAMEFORGE Hackathon: Siva Kishore M from Tata Elxsi
- Multiphysics Simulation Sprint: Naga Sai Ram G from Ansys
- Ecostrut Hackathon: Er. B. Pavan Prasad from Knight Frank
Leadership and Strategic Vision
This groundbreaking initiative is convened under the leadership of Dr. V. Rajesh, Principal of the College of Engineering. The programme is expertly guided by Dr. A. Srinath, Dean – Skill Development, in collaboration with departmental heads and domain-specific points of contact (SPOCs). The event is conducted under the overarching guidance of Dr. G.P.S. Varma, Vice Chancellor, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Venkatram.
Skill Palaver represents a decisive and strategic step in deepening industry engagement within the academic ecosystem. By seamlessly integrating application-driven, real-world problem-solving into the core curriculum, the initiative equips students with the critical competencies and professional acumen necessary for a smooth and successful transition into the dynamic workforce. This model not only enhances learning outcomes but also strengthens the vital academia–industry interface, fostering innovation and readiness for future challenges.
