The Silicon Innovation & Promotion Council (SIPC) organized NIRMAN 5.0, the annual technical fest of SiliconTech, the engineering institute of Silicon University from 28 to 30 November 2025.
The objective of NIRMAN 5.0 was to inspire students to strengthen their technical abilities and transform their innovative concepts into practical solutions. The event provided participants with the opportunity to design prototype models and compete against peers from other institutes, encouraging creativity and hands-on learning. In addition to enhancing technical skills, NIRMAN 5.0 introduced participants to the rapidly evolving startup and innovation ecosystem, offering valuable insights into entrepreneurial practices and emerging trends in technology. This comprehensive approach not only promoted individual growth but also encouraged teamwork and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds.
The fest commenced with an inaugural ceremony on 28 November 2025, attended by distinguished industry leaders and academic figures. The ceremony was graced by Mr. Kabisurjo Choudhury, Jio State Head, Odisha, who served as the Chief Speaker, along with Dr. Debakaanta Misra, Segment Delivery Head at Tata Consultancy Services, as the Guest of Honour, and Mr. Mohar Manohar Mishra, Chief Technology Officer and Founder of Inovaare Corporation, as the Chief Guest. Their motivational speeches set the tone for the fest, emphasizing the importance of technology, creativity, and innovation in shaping the future.
The second day saw a heightened technical intensity with competitions focused on robotics and automation. Events like Robo Sumo and Drone League challenged participants to push the boundaries of design, control, and precision engineering. The Ideate Senior finals highlighted exceptional solution-driven ideas, while the 18-hour HackNation competition engaged over 400 participants in intense, time-constrained problem-solving. These competitions tested participants’ ability to think critically, work collaboratively, and implement creative solutions, further emphasizing the fest’s focus on real-world applications of technology.
On 30 November, NIRMAN 5.0 concluded with a grand closing ceremony and prize distribution. Outstanding performers were recognized for their dedication, technical excellence, and innovative ideas across various competitions. The closing ceremony was attended by Mr. Sarada Prasanna Raj, Cloud Architecture Consultant at Tata Consultancy Services, and Mr. Shitikanta Nayak, Chief Executive Officer, SKN IoT Technology, who offered valuable insights during their speeches. The event was also supported by faculty members of SiliconTech including Prof. (Dr.) Ramaprasad Panda, Dean (Student Affairs), and Prof. (Dr.) Mahendra Prasad Agasty, President of the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), who contributed to the success of the fest. The closing ceremony celebrated the remarkable achievements of the participants, reaffirming NIRMAN 5.0’s mission of fostering a culture of technological innovation and excellence.
The winners of NIRMAN 5.0 showcased exceptional talent across a range of events. In Line Follower, the first prize was claimed by team Robo Wizard 3.0 from Trident Academy of Technology, with teams Hot Wheels and Xtreme 550 from Silicon University securing the second and third prizes, respectively. The Ideate Senior competition saw team Veriface from the Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER) take the first prize, followed by Vissora from Silicon University and Zenith from Sambalpur University Institute of Information Technology (SUIIT) in second and third place respectively. In Drone League, Kumar FPV from ITER took the top spot, with Robo Abeyaantrix 2.0 from ITER and RB Aerials from Trident Academy finishing second and third respectively. The Code Verse event was dominated by Silicon University, with team Kira winning first place, followed by teams SemiColon and DeathSlayers in second and third positions, respectively.
In the Ideate Junior category, the first prize went to AudiLink from KIIT International School, while Phone Coach Pioneers from ODM and Mediloop from DAV Pokhariput secured second and third prizes respectively. Consolation prizes were awarded to ART from DAV Pokhariput and Sanrakshan from DAV Chandrasekharpur respectively. The Robo Race competition saw Byte Bots from Trident win the first prize, with CYBER EESHAANA from Silicon University and 00:01 AM from GCE Kalahandi securing second and third places, respectively. In Robo Sumo, Byte Bots from GCE Kalahandi claimed the first prize, followed by RoBO Abeyaantrix 1.0 and RoBO Abeyaantrix 2.0 from Einstein in second and third positions. Finally, in the highly competitive HackNation event, Compiler Crew from ITER won the first prize, with Resolvers from CV Raman Global University and Magic Monk from Silicon University securing the second and third positions. These outstanding achievements highlighted the technical excellence and innovation displayed by the participants throughout the fest. With its successful conclusion, the event set the stage for future editions, continuing to inspire and shape the next generation of innovators.
NIRMAN 5.0 brought together over 1,300 students from 35 colleges across the state. With a focus on advancing technical skills, fostering creativity, and promoting collaborative learning, the event provided an ideal platform for students to showcase their innovative ideas and engage in healthy competition.