In a thrilling display of coding prowess and innovative thinking, two students from Bengaluru have outshone a competitive national field, capturing a prestigious award at one of India’s premier tech competitions. Anagha Upadyaya and Chandana Ashritha, budding computer scientists from the School of Computer Science and Engineering at JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University), were honored with the Diversity Award in Python at the IBM National Hackathon 2025, a testament to their exceptional skill and the rigorous training they received.

How Can Students Prepare for Tech Hackathons Like IBM’s Event?

The journey to hackathon victory is paved with more than just code; it requires a strategic blend of theoretical knowledge, practical application, and collaborative problem-solving. The IBM National Hackathon 2025, hosted by IBM Expert Labs, was specifically designed to test these exact capabilities. Bringing together 108 of the nation’s most promising tech minds from July 15 to August 8, the event provided a dynamic platform for students to transform academic concepts into tangible solutions under intense, time-bound conditions.

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For Anagha and Chandana, their success was rooted in a deep and effective grasp of Python programming. Their award-winning project demonstrated not just technical proficiency but an ability to apply that knowledge creatively to address complex challenges—a key differentiator in such high-stakes environments. This aligns with the hackathon’s core mission: to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world problem-solving, offering invaluable experience that resonates deeply with industry demands.

JAIN University’s Ecosystem Fosters Winning Talent

The achievement of these students is also a direct reflection of their academic environment. Dr. Garima Sinha, Professor and PG Head of the School of Computer Science and Engineering at JAIN, expressed immense pride in their accomplishment. “We are proud of Anagha Upadyaya and Chandana Ashritha for their success… Their recognition with the Diversity Award in Python highlights their talent and ability to apply knowledge effectively. Such achievements inspire peers and showcase the strength of our academic ecosystem at JAIN,” she stated in a press release dated August 2024. The university’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology (JU-FET) is recognized for its industry-integrated approach, state-of-the-art research facilities, and a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, all of which contribute to producing industry-ready graduates.

The Growing Importance of Hackathons in Tech Education

Events like the IBM National Hackathon 2025 are increasingly becoming critical milestones in a student’s educational journey. They serve as a microcosm of the tech industry’s fast-paced, solution-oriented world. Participants gain exposure to cutting-edge problems, learn to work collaboratively under pressure, and receive mentorship from industry experts at organizations like IBM. This experience is invaluable, often acting as a significant career catalyst and a powerful addition to a professional portfolio. For educational institutions, these competitions are a benchmark for the practical efficacy of their curricula, proving that an emphasis on application-based learning is essential for nurturing the next generation of tech leaders.

The triumph of Anagha Upadyaya and Chandana Ashritha at the IBM National Hackathon 2025 is a powerful reminder that India’s future in technology is bright, driven by passionate, skilled, and innovative young minds. Their story is an inspiration for aspiring coders across the country, proving that with the right knowledge and determination, students can achieve remarkable feats on a national stage. For anyone looking to break into the tech industry, engaging in competitions like this is not just an option—it’s a strategic imperative.

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Must Know

What is the IBM National Hackathon?
The IBM National Hackathon is a premier coding competition organized by IBM Expert Labs that invites students from across India to solve complex problems using their programming skills, fostering innovation and practical application of knowledge.

Who won the Diversity Award in Python at the 2025 event?
Anagha Upadyaya and Chandana Ashritha, students from the School of Computer Science and Engineering at JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University) in Bengaluru, won the Diversity Award in Python.

What are the benefits of participating in a hackathon?
Participating in a hackathon helps students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, enhances collaborative and coding skills, provides industry exposure, and can significantly boost a participant’s professional portfolio.

How long did the IBM National Hackathon 2025 last?
The hackathon began on July 15, 2024, and culminated with its final round on August 8, 2024.

What does the Diversity Award recognize?
While specific criteria can vary, the Diversity Award at such tech events often recognizes projects that promote inclusive solutions, demonstrate unique perspectives, or showcase exceptional skill in a specific programming language or technology stack.