Description

The INNOVA Idea Hackathon 2025, themed "Empower with Innovation", was organized as the signature event of TechX Sri Lanka 2025 by the IEEE Computer Society Student Branch Chapter of Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. The ideathon challenged university students to propose creative, technology-driven solutions to real-world problems aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A total of 61 teams registered, and 50 complete proposals were submitted. Participants submitted an official PowerPoint presentation and a 5–10 minute explanatory video. Submissions were judged based on innovation, technical feasibility, SDG alignment, and real-world impact. The top 10 teams were awarded certificates of excellence, and the top 3 received cash prizes. The event was reviewed and supported by IEEE Region 10 Humanitarian Technology Activities. The first place was awarded to MinionZ (UoM), second to NovaEd Labs (IIT), and third to AlgoRhythms (UoC). Winning teams received $150, $100, and $50 respectively. The competition emphasized diversity and inclusivity, requiring teams to include at least one female member and to be from the same university. The ideathon successfully created a platform for students to engage in purpose-driven innovation while gaining valuable academic and professional exposure.