SRM University-AP Inaugurates Singularity Student Advanced Lab, Launches India’s Biggest Student-Led Hackathon

SRM University-AP, Amaravati, marked a significant milestone in student-driven innovation with the official inauguration of the Singularity Student Advanced Lab, followed by the launch of MISSION: Schrödinger’s Cat, a 36-hour national-level hackathon. The landmark occasion underscores the university’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential learning.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Mr Rambabu Vasupilli, Founder and CEO of NCPL, along with Prof. Ch. Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor; Prof. C V Tomy, Dean – School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS); Dr Murali Krishna Enduri, Founding Faculty Advisor of the Lab and HoD-CSE; Dr Priyanka, Associate HoD-CSE and Faculty Advisor of the Lab; and Mr Pankaj Belwariar, Director-Communications. The lab is led by student innovators Jayanth Ramakrishnan and Parvendan Rangasamy from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

The Singularity Student Advanced Lab has been established as a dynamic, student-led innovation hub focused on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, robotics, blockchain, and AR/VR. Designed to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, the lab enables students to engage in research-driven learning, prototype development, and collaborative problem-solving. In a short span, the lab has demonstrated remarkable achievements, including international conference presentations, multiple hackathon victories, and patent filings—reflecting its growing impact in the innovation ecosystem.

Delivering the inaugural address, Dr Priyanka described the lab as a powerful platform that empowers students to explore advanced technological domains through interdisciplinary collaboration. She highlighted its vision of nurturing innovation and commended the student leadership for building a vibrant ecosystem that encourages experimentation and creativity.

Chief Guest Rambabu Vasupilli congratulated the team on the successful launch of the lab and acknowledged the growing momentum of student innovation at the university. He encouraged students to actively engage in such platforms, emphasising that participation and persistence are key drivers of long-term success.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Ch. Satish Kumar highlighted the rapid growth of SRM University-AP, Amaravati, as a multidisciplinary institution and lauded the establishment of the lab as a significant step towards strengthening research and innovation culture. He remarked that such initiatives not only enhance technical capabilities but also foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Prof. C. V. Tomy emphasised the importance of institutional support in enabling such initiatives, noting that the university provides an environment where student-led ideas can flourish. He appreciated the efforts of the lab team in conceptualising and establishing a platform of this scale, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to experiential learning.

Following the inauguration, the lab officially launched MISSION: Schrödinger’s Cat, India’s largest student-led hackathon, featuring a prize pool exceeding ₹25 lakhs and participation from over 1,200 students nationwide. In his address, Jayanth Ramakrishnan reflected on the journey of building the lab and expressed gratitude to faculty mentors and university leadership for their support. He outlined the lab’s mission to shape future-ready innovators and announced the commencement of the hackathon with the release of problem statements.

The event concluded with a vibrant cultural programme, marking the beginning of an intensive 36-hour innovation challenge. With the inauguration of the Singularity Student Advanced Lab and the successful launch of MISSION: Schrödinger’s Cat, SRM University-AP, Amaravati continues to set new benchmarks in student-led innovation and technological excellence.