Path Finder 3.0: Desh Bhagat University Hosts Mega Tech Fest with ₹10 Lakh Funding Pledge and ₹70,000 Cash Prizes

Path Finder 3.0: Desh Bhagat University Hosts Mega Tech Fest with ₹10 Lakh Funding Pledge and ₹70,000 Cash Prizes

Mandi Gobindgarh, April 25: Desh Bhagat University successfully organized its flagship two-day tech fest, “Path Finder 3.0 – Exploring Innovation, Creativity and Competition.” The event was jointly hosted by the Faculty of Engineering Technology and Computing (FOETC) and the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, attracting participation from over 30 teams representing universities and colleges across Punjab, Delhi, and nearby regions.

The fest provided a dynamic platform to promote innovation, technical excellence, entrepreneurship, and holistic development, featuring activities such as hackathons, ideathons, technical quizzes, poster-making competitions, startup pitches, gaming events, and a DJ night.

The inaugural session began with an inspiring address by Prof. (Dr.) Harsh Sadawarti, Vice Chancellor, who emphasized the importance of innovation, research, and bridging the gap between academia and real-world applications. Dr. Khushboo Bansal, Deputy Director FOETC, outlined the vision of the event, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary learning and strong industry-academia collaboration.

Mr. Puneet Verma, President of TiE Chandigarh, shared valuable entrepreneurial insights and encouraged students to explore startup opportunities.

A key highlight of the event was an expert session on Intellectual Property Rights by Prof. (Dr.) Deepinder Kaur Bakshi, Joint Director at the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, who elaborated on patents and the importance of protecting innovative ideas. Prof. (Dr.) Shalini Gupta, Founder of Satv Amrut Wellness and former Vice Chancellor, emphasized the need to balance technical expertise with ethics and overall well-being.

The event also featured a distinguished investor and mentor panel, including Mr. Deepak Garg (Vibgyor Solution), Mr. Shibananda Dass (Investor & Author), Mr. Nitish Kumar Chawla (Ocean Gifting & Zoy Meal), Mr. Tathagat Kumar (Foundr Flow), Mr. Girish Mittal (Mittcons & Hompure), Mr. Pulkit Khurana (Red Wheels), and Mr. Nikhil Gupta (Startup Accelerator), who mentored participants and provided valuable feedback.

In a significant announcement, the university pledged over ₹10 lakh in funding support for top innovative teams, along with ₹70,000 in cash prizes, generating great enthusiasm among participants.

Throughout the event, mentors and judges actively evaluated participants as teams presented innovative prototypes and practical solutions to real-world challenges.

The event concluded with Hon’ble Chancellor Dr. Zora Singh appreciating the efforts of the organizers, faculty, and participants for fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Dr. Tajinder Kaur, Pro-Chancellor, Desh Bhagat University, also graced the occasion and appreciated the initiative and its impact.

Path Finder 3.0 emerged as a milestone event, equipping students with the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to transform ideas into successful ventures.