La Trobe University’s annual Technology Infusion Grand Challenge (TIGC) took place for the sixth time in 2024. It was a journey of innovation, perseverance, and collaboration. Open to undergraduate students across STEM and Business disciplines from universities in Asia, the challenge drew bright young minds ready to solve real-world problems with innovative solutions using cutting-edge technology.
The round opened in October 2023 and attracted 174 teams from 16 universities across India and Sri Lanka. From February to March 2024, 52 promising teams were selected to pitch their ideas. Of those, 19 earned an investment of up to AUD$800 each to transform their concepts into working prototypes.
The students received training and mentorship from La Trobe's academic and entrepreneurial community, including experts from the Centre for Technology Infusion, the La Trobe Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program, the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, and the La Trobe Business School.
By December 2024, 28 teams submitted their final prototype videos for judging. The panel, comprising La Trobe’s academic and business leaders, faced a tough decision. After a meticulous review, they shortlisted 10 standout entries for the final round.
On 30 April 2025, the anticipation culminated in a celebratory hybrid event held in Delhi, where the winners were finally announced. The gathering brought together finalists, faculty, and special guests including Dr. Cerasela Tanasescu (Director of La Trobe Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program), and Ms. Andrea Gardiner (Founder and CEO, Jelix Ventures). Joining virtually, Professor Coral Warr, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Global and Graduate Research, revealed the winner: Team Element from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India.
Prakhar Sethi, Mehak Saini and Vishal Rajeev worked together on their project, Vision-Based Road Decay Prediction with Hyperlocal Weather Forecasting, which stole the spotlight for its potential to transform road maintenance in India. Combining the power of computer vision with hyperlocal weather data, the team developed a prototype capable of detecting and predicting road damage before it becomes a hazard.
“Our project tackles a challenge often overlooked: predicting road decay before it becomes a problem. Roads that silently deteriorate cost lives, delay emergency response, hurt commerce, and strain public health” said Prakhar Sethi, team leader for Team Element.
Their win earned them an all-expenses paid two-week mentorship program in Melbourne, where they will work alongside experts at La Trobe to take their idea to the next level.
Congratulations also to the other prize winners:
Second place - Team TetraTitans from Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India for their project: Smart App-Based Audiometer to detect deafness in society. They received 100,000 INR to share amongst team members.
Third place - Team Trio Triumphs from Chennai Institute of Technology, Anna University, India for their project: Smart Helmet for Industrial Safety. They received 50,000 INR to share amongst their team.
The People’s Choice Award went to Team Peppers from KCG College of Technology, Anna University, India for their project Aquasave-x. They received 100,000 INR to share amongst their team.
Each of these teams impressed the judges and the public with their creativity and commitment to addressing societal challenges through tech-driven solutions. The TIGC is more than a competition, it is a launchpad for the innovators of tomorrow. By bridging academic excellence with entrepreneurial spirit, La Trobe University continues to foster a vibrant ecosystem where students can turn ideas into impact.
For more information about the Technology Infusion Grand Challenge click here.
