SLASSCOM 4iR Hackathon ends successfully

Text and Pix by 

Gitika Talukdar

As part of the industry engagement drive and in line with the vision to brand Sri Lanka as the next IT startup hub, the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) recently held 4iR Hackathon to find the best IT talent in the country.

The event was jointly organised by SLASSCOM and powered by Virtusa and Virtusa X Labs.

The event saw all digital disruptors using the power of modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence/machine learning, blockchain and AR/VR/MR, RPA present the next big idea that will change the way we experience life. This ‘first in Sri Lanka’ event allows both university undergraduates and industry professionals to ideate, prototype and present solutions to a panel of industry leaders and investors.

Thirty teams making 100 participants from various universities and start-ups from across the country, including University of Moratuwa, University of Colombo, Peradeniya, Kelaniya, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Jaffna, IIT and SLIIT took part in the Hackathon.

The task was to develop a new solutions and innovative application or programming using 4IR technologies such as AI, IoT, machine learning, blockchain, deep learning, virtual reality and micro services, etc. in various domains from life sciences, manufacturing, hospitality and insurance to healthcare, media and entertainment.

The panel of judges included SLASSCOM officials and Virtusa leadership. There were 15 mentors presentfrom Virtusa throughout 24 hours to assist the participants.

The Hackathon kicked off on Saturday morning and the participants started working since from 9 a.m. onwards for 24 hours of continuous coding. Following the presentationsto the industry experts on Sunday, the panel of judges selected the 15 best teams.

The result of the event was declared on 23 March and the Winner of the SLASSCOM 4iR Hackathon was Phoenix University of Moratuwa rewarded with a prize money of Rs. 500,000. Tekto, Scorpion and Hash Beats were selected as Runners Up and won Rs. 100,000 each.

Addressing the participants SLASSCOM Director Ruwindu Peiris spoke about the fourth industrial revolution.He said that the possibilities of billions of people connected by mobile devices, with unprecedented processing power, storage capacity, and access to knowledge were unlimited and these possibilities would be multiplied by emerging technology breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, 3-D printing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, materials science, energy storage, and quantum computing.

Like the revolutions that preceded it there are lot of challenges and possibilities; the Fourth Industrial Revolution has the potential to raise global income levels and improve the quality of life for populations around the world. To date, those who have gained the most from it have been consumers able to afford and access the digital world; technology has made possible new products and services that increase the efficiency and pleasure of our personal lives. Ordering a cab, booking a flight, buying a product, making a payment, listening to music, watching a film, or playing a game – anyof these can now be done remotely.

In the future, technological innovation will also lead to a supply-side miracle, with long-term gains in efficiency and productivity. Transportation and communication costs will drop, logistics and global supply chains will become more effective, and the cost of trade will diminish, all of which will open new markets and drive economic growth.

 Thus there are lot of opportunities through different field.He called on participants to grab the opportunity and grow with the need and demand of the market, which will shape their careers,

Virtusa Vice President Technology Thushera Kawdawatta said: “Our main motive is innovation. Innovation strives to provide quality information technology solutions which can help any business operate more efficiently through the development of software to eliminate the inefficient use of business processes and along with that to give an opportunity to the students and IT professionals through the platform of Hackathon to show their talent and capability.”