IESL-UTE Engineering Raspberry Pi Challenge showcases next-gen innovators

The IESL-UTE Engineering Raspberry Pi Challenge 2017, organised by UTE Engineering division of United Tractor and Equipment (Pvt.) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s leading engineering solution’s company and the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka, (IESL), the nation’s apex body for professional engineers, concluded recently showcasing thriving talent of local undergraduates and school students.

The winners of the IESL-UTE Engineering Raspberry Pi Challenge 2017 were announced during the gala IESL Awards Ceremony, Techno Sri Lanka Awards 2017 also held recently.

After two competitive rounds and evaluations by an eminent panel of jurors, the ‘Pera-SUN team’ from the University of Peradeniya clinched the grand prize of the prestigious IESL-UTE Challenge Trophy and a cash award of Rs.250,000. Their winning solution was an ‘Intelligent navigation system for unknown environment mapping’. ‘Team ATOM’ from Rahula College, Matara emerged winners in the schools category for their project ‘Automatic elephant identification device’. They received a cash prize of Rs.75,000. Additionally, attractive cash prizes were awarded to the first and second Runners-Up in both categories.

“On behalf of UTE Engineering, I would like to congratulate all who participated, especially the winners on their innovative and thought provoking ideas displayed. We also thank IESL for partnering us during this unique programme. I am excited to see what the future holds for these young people, to witness what this next generation of innovators showcase. We look forward to being involved in events such as this encouraging youth to develop skills and thrive in the future,” noted UTE CEO 
Riyad Ismail.

The objective of the IESL-UTE Engineering Raspberry Pi Challenge 2017 was to provide students a stimulating platform for creativity and risk-taking through a combination of design and coding, inspiring Lanka’s next generation of tech experts.

The challenge drew a record number of entries with 32 applications received in the undergraduate category and 14 from schools. The youngsters were provided the Raspberry PI device and information on how to use it, and tasked with building smart solutions exploring the future possibilities of technology 
and science.

All teams were also required to document and record all stages of their project and authenticate their work through videos uploaded on YouTube demonstrating 
their progress.

The models and prototypes of the winning teams were showcased and given prominence at an exhibition booth during the recent Techno 2017 Exhibition organised by IESL.