KL Deemed to be University, Vijayawada, through its Skill Development Division, successfully conducted Phase III of Skill Palaver, a structured, project-based hackathon initiative organized during the Academic Year 2025–26.
The program is designed for pre-final year students from all Engineering branches, along with BCA and MCA programs, aiming to strengthen industry readiness through practical exposure and real-world problem-solving.
Structured Three-Phase Academic Model
Skill Palaver follows a comprehensive three-phase academic framework integrated into professional electives and industry-oriented skill courses:
Phase I – Learnathon (Odd Semester 2025–26)
Students participated in expert-led interactive sessions focused on real-world challenges, emerging technologies, and solution development strategies. The phase laid a strong conceptual foundation for innovation and application.
Phase II – Internal Review (Even Semester 2025–26)
Student teams presented their initial designs and proof-of-concept models before faculty mentors. The academic review process enabled refinement, structured feedback, and performance evaluation.
Phase III – Hackathon Review (Even Semester 2025–26)
Scheduled in two slots on 21st and 28th February 2026, the first session was recently conducted. Students showcased fully developed prototypes before industry experts. Projects were evaluated on parameters such as innovation, technical robustness, scalability, and real-world applicability. Detailed expert feedback further helped teams enhance their solutions.
Leadership Perspective
Vice Chancellor Dr. G. Pardha Saradhi Varma stated:
“Skill Palaver is a strong example of how structured, hands-on learning prepares students for real industry challenges. By integrating academic knowledge with practical exposure, we ensure our students graduate as confident and competent professionals.”
Diverse Technology Domains Covered
The hackathon spanned multiple high-demand domains, including:
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Artificial Intelligence
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Machine Learning
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Cloud Computing
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Data Analytics
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Cybersecurity
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Software Engineering
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Game Design
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Embedded Systems
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Structural Engineering
The initiative encouraged teamwork, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and applied learning across departments.
Strong Academia–Industry Collaboration
Industry experts from leading global organizations participated as evaluators, further strengthening the University’s academia–industry connect. Participating organizations included:
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Cisco
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IBM
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H&M Group
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MongoDB
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Persistent Systems
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ResMed
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Synopsys India Pvt. Ltd.
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Tata Elxsi
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Ansys
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Knight Frank
Guided by Academic Leadership
The initiative is conducted under the leadership of Dr. V. Rajesh, Principal, College of Engineering, and guided by Dr. A. Srinath, Dean – Skill Development, along with departmental heads and domain coordinators.
Through Skill Palaver, KL Deemed to be University continues to reinforce industry engagement within its academic framework, ensuring students develop strong technical expertise and a professional mindset essential for successful careers.
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