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The fourth edition of HackJKLU, JK Lakshmipat University’s flagship annual hackathon, concluded on a high note—leaving behind a trail of inspiration, innovation, and a resounding belief in the power of young minds to shape the future.

Held over three vibrant days, HackJKLU v4.0 brought together coders, creators, and changemakers from across India for an immersive experience that extended far beyond coding. From thought-provoking keynotes and hands-on problem-solving to creative showcases and candid conversations, the event exemplified JKLU’s commitment to building a thriving innovation ecosystem for the next generation of tech leaders.

The energy on campus reached new heights with the inaugural keynote by entrepreneur, author, and content creator Ankur Warikoo. Known for his razor-sharp insights and relatable storytelling, Mr. Warikoo set the tone for the hackathon with a powerful address on embracing a growth mindset.

Urging students to approach their careers like “dating,” he emphasized experimentation, self-discovery, and lifelong learning as keys to a fulfilling life. His candid Q&A session had students leaning in—absorbing practical advice on building resilience, staying curious, and letting go of rigid plans.

“Spend time with people who are unlike you,” he said. “That’s the only way to grow. That’s the only way to see the world differently.”

Day 2 brought the true spirit of the hackathon alive. While coders took on the GeeksforGeeks (GFG) Coding Challenge, the day was punctuated by high-impact sessions that blended technical depth with entrepreneurial spark.

Jaskaran Singh, 2023 ICPC World Finalist, offered a peek into global programming challenges, igniting ambition among student developers. This was followed by an engaging dialogue with Bhagirath Giri, Managing Director at WsCube Tech, who unpacked the nuances of startups, AI, and blockchain—all with a refreshing sense of real-world relevance.

Inclusivity remained central to HackJKLU, as school students got a dedicated stage in the Make-a-thon—a challenge designed to foster innovation at the grassroots. Budding innovators showcased prototypes and ideas, receiving guidance from JKLU’s expert faculty and mentors, in a setup that felt more like a mini-incubator than a competition.

The day wound down with an impromptu jamming session, where participants traded keyboards for guitars, and code gave way to chords—an authentic celebration of community and shared passion.

The grand finale on Day 3, co-powered by ENTION, spotlighted the brilliance of the top-performing teams. The winning solutions didn’t just impress—they addressed critical societal challenges:

• The Code Father (Winner): A digital healthcare platform designed for better patient engagement and seamless care delivery.
• Code Got Latent (1st Runner Up): An AI-powered mental health screening system using sentiment analysis and behavioral cues.
• PALS (2nd Runner Up): A decentralised, citizen-driven news platform that values trust and quality through a reputation-based system.

Adding gravitas to the final day was an interactive session with Sandeep Jain, Founder and CEO of GeeksforGeeks, who inspired students to build strong fundamentals and stay agile in a world where technology—and its demands—are constantly evolving.

The closing ceremony acknowledged the winners, applauded all participants, and reflected on three days of problem-solving, prototyping, and pure creative energy. As the curtains came down, a shared sentiment lingered in the air—this was just the beginning.

HackJKLU 4.0 proved that when the right minds come together in the right space, breakthroughs happen. With a significant rise in participation and engagement this year, and a growing presence of external collaborators, JKLU reaffirmed its place at the forefront of student-led innovation in India. The countdown has already begun for the next edition—bigger, bolder, and boundary-breaking.