The Naan Mudhalvan Student Development Program, an innovative initiative aimed at providing comprehensive training in engineering software tools to empower students for future careers. Through its flagship event, the Naan Mudhalvan Hackathon, the program fosters practical skills, innovation, and collaboration among engineering students, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. By offering hands-on experience and mentorship, the program equips participants with the tools to excel in the dynamic engineering landscape, positioning them as future leaders and innovators in their field.

The hackathon event comprises industrial challenges: leather manufacturing (IoT) and Solar-Powered Drones. In the leather manufacturing sector, participants are tasked with addressing key issues such as integrating IoT for accurate area calculation, ensuring precise thickness measurements, synchronizing data across various production stages, and enabling real-time monitoring and analysis. The challenge requires the development of complex algorithms and seamless data integration systems to enhance production efficiency and quality control. Meanwhile, in the two-wheeler engine manufacturing hackathon, participants will utilize Plant Simulation software to model, simulate, and optimize the manufacturing process. They must accurately model machines, workstations, and material flows, then identify and implement improvements to enhance performance. Evaluation will be based on criteria including accuracy, completeness, performance, and the significance of optimizations.

Overall, the hackathon aims to foster innovation and problem-solving in these critical industrial sectors. Solar-Powered Drones challenge invites participants to develop innovative drones that utilize solar panels for energy generation, promoting sustainability and prolonged flight duration. The challenge emphasizes key focus areas including seamless solar panel integration, efficient energy storage solutions, intelligent power management systems, flight control, and autonomous charging mechanisms. Participants are required to deliver a functional prototype, detailed technical documentation, energy efficiency analysis, innovative features showcase, and a feasibility study highlighting real-world applications and benefits. Judging criteria encompass innovation, energy efficiency, technical proficiency, functionality, and presentation quality. By encouraging exploration at the intersection of solar energy and drone technology, the hackathon aims to inspire groundbreaking solutions with the potential to revolutionize the UAV industry.