From Hackathon Idea to National Recognition: How Parul University Students Built an AI-Powered Motion-Based Learning App

Three students from Parul University’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology developed an AI-powered motion-based learning app that transforms passive screen time into active learning. The project has won three national hackathons, earning over ₹1.75 lakh in prize money. This demonstrated how hackathon-driven education drives innovation and delivers real-world solutions.

Artificial Intelligence in Today’s Education Landscape

As artificial intelligence, digital learning platforms, and screen-based education become increasingly common, student engagement and digital well-being have emerged as critical challenges. While many edtech tools deliver content efficiently, they often encourage passive consumption, limited physical activity, and reduced attention spans.

Recognising this gap, students at Parul University turned a hackathon problem statement into a nationally recognised solution, demonstrating how innovation-led education and experiential learning can directly address real-world problems.

Meet the Innovators: Parul University’s Hackathon Winners

The project, titled “AI in Education: Motion-Based Learning App,” was developed by:

• Omprakash Meher

• Mansi Jaiswar

• Sagar Chhetri

All three are students of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Parul University, where interdisciplinary learning, hackathons, and applied problem-solving are integral to the academic ecosystem.

The Problem They Identified: Passive Screen Time in Digital Learning

Key Observation from the Hackathon

During an internal university hackathon focused on using emerging technologies to solve societal challenges, the team observed a critical issue. 

Most digital learning platforms increase screen dependency without significantly improving engagement.

What did they notice?

• Learners often remain physically inactive
• Learning becomes content-heavy but interaction-light
• Attention span and retention suffer
• Digital well-being is overlooked in education design

This insight became the foundation of their innovation.

The First Idea: Making AI-Based Learning Truly Engaging

Initially, the team discussed creating an AI-driven learning app that would go beyond traditional video-based or text-based modules.

However, as brainstorming progressed, one question stood out:

“What if learning required movement, not just attention?”

This led to a breakthrough idea of motion-based learning powered by artificial intelligence.

How the Idea Evolved Under Hackathon Pressure

Hackathon time pressure played a crucial role in shaping the solution:

Role of Time Constraints

Here is how time constraints helped

• Forced the team to focus on core functionality
• Prevented unnecessary complexity
• Encouraged rapid prototyping and practical thinking

Instead of building a feature-heavy product, they prioritised impact, simplicity, and scalability.

The Solution: AI-Powered Motion-Based Learning App

The app converts passive screen time into active learning by integrating.

What the Platform Does

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for adaptive learning
• Motion detection to track physical engagement
• Interactive tasks where users learn by moving, responding, and participating

Why Motion-Based Learning?

According to the team, motion-based learning:

• Increases learner engagement
• Improves memory retention
• Encourages physical activity
• Makes digital education more immersive and effective

This approach directly addresses modern education challenges, especially for younger learners and screen-heavy academic environments.

Subjects and Scalability: Designed Beyond a Single Use Case

One of the project’s strongest aspects is its scalable design.

Current Learning Modules Include:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Environmental Studies

Potential Applications:

• School education
• Engineering education
• Medical training
• Architecture and professional learning domains

This adaptability helped the project gain strong validation beyond a single competition.

National-Level Recognition: Hackathon Wins That Validate Impact

The project has received consistent national recognition, winning three major university hackathons:

• Second Prize – Avishkaar Season 3
  Cash Award: ₹1,00,000

          First Prize – Ignitron
          Cash Award: ₹25,000

• First Prize – Intellecthon
  Cash Award: ₹50,000

These wins highlight not just innovation, but also real-world relevance and execution quality.

What Judges and Mentors Appreciated Most

Across hackathons, the strongest feedback focused on:

• The idea of converting passive screen time into active learning
• Its relevance to modern education and digital well-being
• Clear applicability across multiple education levels

This consistent response helped the team realise the project’s broader potential.

Post-Hackathon Growth: From Concept to Scalable Platform

After the hackathons, the team continued improving the project by:

• Enhancing AI models
• Expanding subject coverage
• Structuring the platform for multi-level education
• Refining usability and scalability

At this stage, it became clear that the idea could evolve beyond competitions into a real-world educational solution.

When the Team Realised Its Real-World Potential

The turning point came when:

• The project received positive feedback across multiple hackathons
• Educators and mentors highlighted its adaptability for schools and higher education
• The concept aligned strongly with global discussions around active learning and AI in education

This validation confirmed that the solution addressed a genuine and growing need.

What This Reflects About Learning at Parul University

This success story highlights Parul University’s focus on:

• Hackathon-driven innovation
• Experiential and project-based learning
• Encouraging students to solve real societal problems
• Bridging technology, creativity, and impact

By providing platforms where ideas can evolve into award-winning solutions, Parul University enables students to move from classroom concepts to nationally recognised innovation.

Innovation That Moves Learning Forward

The AI-Powered Motion-Based Learning App developed by Parul University students is more than a hackathon project; it is a reflection of how education, when combined with innovation and purpose, can create meaningful change.

As digital learning continues to grow, solutions like this demonstrate the future of education.