Student innovators build AI-powered solutions for EdTech and FinTech using Google technologies.
January 12th, 2026; Bhubaneswar: Birla Global University (BGU), a premier
university from Birla Group, successfully hosted the “Next Mind 12” Gen AI Hackathon
in Collaboration with Google Developer Group (GDC) on campus.
Various talented
student developers from several universities and institutes across Odisha participated
in this 12-hour innovative hackathon.
The Hackathon featured two key tracks, “EdTech” and “FinTech, in which the
participants designed and developed real-world, scalable solutions using cutting-edge
Google technologies, including Gemini and Google Cloud. The event highlighted the
growing role of generative AI in reshaping education delivery systems, financial
services, and digital problem-solving frameworks. A total of 20 teams participated in
the event, showcasing strong technical expertise and creativity in applying Gen AI tools
to enhance personalised learning, streamline financial processes, and improve
accessibility and efficiency across the sectors.
The event was judged by a panel of distinguished industry experts, including Arya
Vedabrata, CEO of ByteIQ Analytics; Subham Acharya, Director of FxUAV; Akash
Jaiswal, CEO of Wooble; and Smruti Ranjan Dhal, Senior Consultant at TCS.
Congratulating the participants, Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Vice Chancellor, BGU,
said, “Experiential learning plays a crucial role in preparing our young innovators for a
future reshaped by Artificial Intelligence. Through innovative initiatives such as
hackathons at BGU, we encourage curious and creative minds to come forward and
compete. By hosting platforms such as the ‘Next Mind 12’ Gen AI Hackathon, the
university is nurturing future-ready technologists and
entrepreneurs capable of contributing meaningfully to
India’s evolving digital economy.”
Highlighting the academic significance of the event, Prof. Sanjay Kuanar, Dean, School
of Engineering & Technology, BGU, said, “The Next Mind 12 GenAI Hackathon bridges
classroom learning with real-world application. Such initiatives foster collaboration,
creativity, and innovation, enabling students to translate ideas into impactful, practical
solutions, enabling students to translate ideas into impactful solutions.”
The team from IIIT Bhubaneswar emerged as the winner, and the trophy, along with a
cash prize of ₹25,000, was presented by Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Hon’ble Vice-
Chancellor, Birla Global University. The first and second runner-up positions were
secured by teams from CV Raman Global University and Birla Global University, who
received cash prizes of ₹15,000 and ₹10,000, respectively.
Birla Global University continues to promote a strong culture of innovation,
interdisciplinary learning, and industry engagement..
About Birla Global University (BGU):-
Birla Global University (BGU), Bhubaneswar, is
a premier multidisciplinary university promoted
by the renowned Birla Group. Known for its
strong academic foundation, industry-oriented
curriculum, and focus on holistic education, BGU
is committed to nurturing future-ready
professionals and responsible leaders. Spread
across a modern, state-of-the-art campus in
Bhubaneswar, the university offers a vibrant
learning ecosystem supported by contemporary infrastructure, advanced laboratories, and
technology-enabled classrooms.
Birla Global University places a strong emphasis on innovation, research,
entrepreneurship, and experiential learning. Through industry collaborations,
hackathons, live projects, and incubation-driven initiatives, the university actively
bridges the gap between academia and real-world applications. BGU encourages
interdisciplinary learning and promotes the use of emerging technologies such as
Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, and digital platforms across its academic
programmes.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate,
postgraduate, doctoral, and executive education
programmes across disciplines including Management, Engineering & Technology,
Commerce, Economics, Law, Media Studies, and Applied Sciences. With a strong focus
on skill development, leadership training, and ethical values, Birla Global University
aims to contribute meaningfully to nation-building and the evolving global knowledge
economy.