Hyderabad  – Synchrony, a premier consumer financial services company in collaboration with Soham Academy, proudly hosted a one of a kind Robotics Hackathon, an innovative event initiated  by their Citizenship team.

Embracing a spirit of inclusivity and empowerment, the hackathon provided a platform for 30 students of grades 7 and 8 from 10 schools across Hyderabad and nearby districts to unleash their creativity and engineering prowess. Unlike traditional school projects, this event went beyond cardboard and popsicle sticks. This event embraced advanced technology providing access to 3D-printed components designed and printed on-site. This not only gave the students a taste of real-world engineering practices but also fueled their imaginations to create truly extraordinary models.

“By empowering these future engineers and inventors, we’re not just building robots; we’re building a brighter future where technology serves humanity,” said Kameswari Gangadharabhatla, VP, HR – Asia Diversity & Recruitment COE Leader. “This Robotics Hackathon truly highlighted how these students are using technology to make a difference in the real world. It was incredible to see their dedication at such a young age. By giving them early exposure to STEM fields, this hackathon shaped the future of innovation. It wasn’t just about competition; it was an opportunity for these students to dive deeply into the world of robotics. The dedication and ingenuity they displayed are testaments to the power of early exposure to STEM fields. By opening doors to technology at a young age, we’re indeed shaping the trajectory of innovation,” she added.

The esteemed judges panel, included Mrs. Uttara Kumari, a retired DRDO scientist, Mrs. Phanisree from JNTU’s Electrical and Electronics Engineering department, and Mr. Prashant Tiwari – VP, Solution Architect and a volunteer from Synchrony’s Technology team, ensured that the competition maintained the highest standards of excellence. Their presence at the event highlighted the importance of expertise and mentorship in fostering the growth of these young talents. The Senior Wellness Centre of Zilla Parishad High School, Janampet, Mahbubnagar district, won the first position. The second position was jointly awarded to the projects titled Modern Exhibition of Telangana State Model School and Smart Jewelry Store of Government High School. The third position was shared by Smart Agriculture of Zilla Parishad High School, Indira Nagar, Siddipet School, and Intelligent Baby Monitoring System of Government High School, Devaljhamsingh, Hyderabad.

Prizes were presented by Michael Matthews – SVP, Chief Diversity & Corporate Responsibility Officer during his India visit, along with Kameswari Gangadharabhatla – VP, HR – Asia Diversity & Recruitment COE Leader, and Danielle Brown – VP, Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

These winning projects truly displayed the incredible impact envisioned by these young minds. It is fantastic to see how their ideas align with Synchrony’s dedication to making a positive difference in the world. This Robotics Hackathon marks the beginning of an incredible journey towards an even brighter future. With the potential of young minds and Synchrony’s steadfast commitment to empowerment, we are fostering a path for exciting opportunities and advancements. It is remarkable to witness how this event mirrors the values and dedication of Synchrony in building a resilient community.