In 2019, our team participated in the prestigious IIT Roorkee National Productathon, a 24-hour marathon of innovation and creativity focused on the environment. With 80 teams competing, we were both excited and nervous about the challenge ahead. Here’s a look back at our journey to victory.
Event Details The Productathon took place at IIT Roorkee, a renowned hub for technological innovation. The theme, revealed on the spot, was centered around the environment. Our goal was to develop a product that could make a tangible impact on environmental health and safety.
Team and Preparation
Our team comprised four core members and two mentors:
- Dhruv Rohatgi (me): Data Science, Programming Microcontroller
- Aayushi Aggarwal: Data Science
- Devdutt Sharma: Hardware Development
- Tushar Garg: Website Development, Application Development
Preparation was crucial since the theme was a surprise. We each focused on mastering our individual areas. The hardware team gathered all necessary components, while the software team explored different themes and products from previous hackathons. Personally, I honed my programming skills to ensure we could quickly prototype any idea.
The Competition
The productathon lasted 24 intense hours. Competing against 80 other teams, we faced numerous challenges, from limited time and lack of hardware to extensive coding demands. The adrenaline kept us focused and motivated.
Our Product: The Environmental Health Watch
We developed a wearable watch designed to monitor air quality and provide health insights:
Air Quality Monitoring: Detects PM2.5 levels and displays air quality using emojis on an OLED screen. Travel Recommendations: Uses a machine learning model to suggest the least polluted routes for travel. Health Monitoring: Tracks oxygen levels and pulse, offering health recommendations based on pollution levels.
We utilized a range of technologies and tools, including PM2.5 Air Quality Sensors, OLED screens, pulse and oxygen sensors, 3D printers, and various microcontroller components. For software, we developed an Android and iOS app, a backend server, and a website.
Presentation and Judging
Our presentation included a live demo of the watch. The judges were impressed with our ability to develop such a comprehensive product in a short time. They encouraged us to pitch our project to their incubator for potential funding.
The Winning Moment
When our team was announced as the winner, we were overjoyed and a bit shocked. Our primary goal had been to create something impactful, so winning was an incredible bonus. We received goodies, internships from Geeks for Geeks, AWS credits, Amazon gift vouchers, a trophy, and certificates.
Aftermath and Reflections
Winning the productathon had a profound impact on our team. It strengthened our bond, improved our teamwork, and taught us how to handle pressure effectively. While we don’t have plans to further develop the product, the experience was invaluable.
Personal Highlights
The most memorable moment was undoubtedly the announcement of our victory. It was a testament to our hard work and collaboration. One key lesson we learned was to remain calm and focused under pressure, a skill that will serve us well in future endeavors.
Participating in the IIT Roorkee National Productathon was an exhilarating and rewarding experience. It not only showcased our abilities but also reinforced the importance of teamwork and perseverance.