Sri Lanka Arduino Challenge 2025 - Awareness Session
June 22, 2025 · 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM @ Online event
Description
The Sri Lanka Arduino Challenge 2025, organized by the IEEE Challenge Sphere 2025 and the IEEE IES Student Branch Chapter of SLTC,is a national-level initiative aimed at nurturing young minds to explore, innovate, and transform their theoretical knowledge of electronics and embedded systems into practical solutions. This event targets engineering students, hobbyists, and future tech leaders across the country who are passionate about microcontrollers, sensors, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The Awareness session began with a warm welcome by the moderator. This was followed by Co-Chair Semina Asela, who officially opened the event and graciously welcomed all guest speakers, participants, and members of the IEEE community. His address set a warm and enthusiastic tone for the session, highlighting the importance of national-level platforms such as the Arduino Challenge in shaping the next generation of problem-solvers and engineers. The first keynote address was delivered by Eng. Kavinga Upul Ekanayaka, who laid a strong foundation for the event with his insightful talk titled “A Glimpse into the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society.” In his presentation, Mr. Ekanayaka introduced attendees to the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES), a globally recognized platform fostering advancement in industrial electronics and intelligent systems. He elaborated on the vision, mission, and global influence of the IES, particularly its role in nurturing collaboration between academia, industry, and innovators. Attendees were offered a clear understanding of how the IES contributes to the professional development of students, researchers, and engineers through its diverse activities, resources, and opportunities. A focal point of his session was the IEEE IES Student Branch Chapter at SLTC and the IES Sri Lanka Chapter, both of which have been instrumental in fostering local talent and supporting youth-driven innovation. Mr. Ekanayaka emphasized how these chapters create valuable pathways for students to engage, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to the global technology ecosystem. His inspiring words not only showcased the broader purpose of the IEEE IES but also motivated participants to maximize the opportunities presented through this platform. The second speaker of the event was Dr. Sanath Divakara, who elevated the session with a compelling and technically rich presentation on the transformative role of Arduino-based innovation in industry and education. Dr. Divakara walked the audience through the fundamentals of embedded systems, focusing on essential components such as microcontrollers, sensors, and real-time data processing. He emphasized that Arduino serves as a powerful enabler for rapid prototyping and experimentation, allowing students and professionals alike to translate abstract ideas into real-world applications. Dr. Divakara highlighted Arduino’s role in real-world applications like smart agriculture and home automation, showcasing its versatility and accessibility. He also discussed its growing use in industries, especially in areas such as IoT integration, embedded AI, predictive maintenance with sensors, and edge computing, proving Arduino’s value in both innovation and modern industrial transformation. He emphasized the urgency for future engineers to become familiar with these technologies, not only for academic excellence but also for staying relevant in a competitive global job market. His talk served as a call to action for participants to become active contributors to the next wave of engineering solutions through platforms like the Arduino Challenge. The third and final keynote was delivered by Eng. Dilini Ekanayaka provided a vibrant and forward-looking presentation that encapsulated the vision, objectives, and structure of the Sri Lanka Arduino Challenge 2025. Eng. Dilini Ekanayaka explained how the Arduino Challenge 2025 encourages youth to engage in practical engineering through teamwork and creative problem-solving. She outlined the competition’s structure, including team registration, idea submission, prototype development, mentorship support, and final evaluations, offering participants a clear path from concept to creation. A key highlight of her session was the unveiling of the 2025 challenge theme, "Assisting People with Disabilities." This year’s theme encourages the use of Arduino and embedded systems to create innovative solutions that assist individuals with disabilities and promote inclusivity. She also elaborated on the support mechanisms in place to help participants succeed, including access to technical mentors, learning resources, simulation tools like Wokwi, and prototype development support. Her engaging slides and confident delivery brought energy to the virtual space and left participants feeling equipped and inspired to take on the challenge ahead. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks, delivered by the project Secretary, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all guest speakers for their time, insights, and dedication to inspiring the next generation. Appreciation was also extended to all participants, organizing committee members, and the wider IEEE community for making the session a success. Before bidding farewell, all attendees posed for a souvenir group photograph, preserving the memory of a day that not only launched the Arduino Challenge 2025 but also sparked a renewed sense of purpose, innovation, and collaboration. The Awareness Webinar of the Sri Lanka Arduino Challenge 2025 was a resounding success, offering an inspiring blend of technical knowledge and strategic direction. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society and its global impact, valuable insights into Arduino and embedded systems, and a clear road map to confidently embark on their journey through the Arduino Challenge 2025. The event successfully kindled enthusiasm among engineering undergraduates, tech enthusiasts, and innovators across the island. It also reaffirmed the mission of the IEEE IES Student Branch Chapter to empower students through hands-on learning, industry exposure, and global collaboration. As the Arduino Challenge 2025 unfolds in the coming months, this awareness session will be remembered as the spark that ignited a transformative journey for many young Sri Lankan innovators.
Agenda
4.00 PM - 4.05 PM Welcome Speech 4.05 PM - 4.10 PM Introductory Video 4.10 PM – 4.20 PM Session by Guest Speaker 01 4.20 PM – 4.25 PM Token of Appreciation 4.25 PM – 4.35 PM Session by Guest Speaker 02 4.35 PM – 4.40 PM Token of Appreciation 4.40 PM - 5.25 PM Session by Guest Speaker 03 5.25 PM - 5.30 PM Token of Appreciation 5.30 PM - 5.35 PM Vote of Thanks