Bengaluru: GITAM Deemed to be University, in association with the Society of Automotive Engineers (India), hosted AeroTHON 2024 at its Bengaluru campus, bringing together 26 student teams from universities across India to develop innovative Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) addressing practical challenges in disaster management, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The event opened with remarks from Dr. K.N.S. Acharya, Pro Vice-Chancellor, GITAM Bengaluru, who emphasised the role of applied education in engineering and technology, stating, “Education is not just about learning theories; it’s about translating them into real-world solutions.”
Chief Guest Mr. Shashikiran Ananth, Director of Engineering, Collins Aerospace, highlighted the significance of innovation, stating, “The future belongs to innovators who dare to challenge conventional thinking. AeroTHON 2024 is a testament to this spirit.”
 Winners of AeroTHON 2024 included:
- Team UIET from UIET College, led by Captain Manik Singla and Vice-Captain Ayush Sharma.
- Team Arrow from Nirma University, led by Captain Mnatra Patel and Vice-Captain Jugal Gandhi.
- Team aeroKLE from KLE Technological University, Hubballi, led by Captain Nishad Hooli and Vice-Captain Achal Takale.
These teams excelled in Best Innovation and Best Presentation categories, showcasing projects like AI-powered drones for disaster response and other impactful applications. Their work was commended by judges from Boeing, Collins Aerospace, Eaton, and Pratt & Whitney for its creativity, technical precision, and relevance to real-world challenges.
Participants praised AeroTHON 2024 for its practical focus. A member of Team Arrow noted, “This platform allowed us to apply our technical knowledge in meaningful ways, preparing us for industry challenges.”
In his closing remarks, Dr. Acharya encouraged participants to build on their experiences, stating, “The journey doesn’t end here. Take the lessons learned and continue to innovate for impactful solutions.”
AeroTHON 2024 exemplifies GITAM’s commitment to applied education and translational research. Facilities such as the Technology Exploration and Product Engineering Lab (TEPE), Makers’ Space, Multidisciplinary Units of Research in Translational Initiatives (MURTI), Drone Technology Lab, and Venture Development Centre equip students with practical skills aligned with national priorities under Viksit Bharat 2047 and Skill India.
