21 March, Maharashtra: Two innovative student projects from Maharashtra stood out at the prestigious KPIT Sparkle 2025, a nation-wide innovation contest organized by KPIT Technologies, showcasing cutting-edge solutions to critical challenges in cybersecurity and autonomous mobility. Students from Jayawantrao Sawant College of Engineering, Pune, developed an AI-driven cybersecurity system to counter Interest Flooding Attacks (IFA) in vehicular networks, enhancing smart mobility security. Meanwhile, a team from CSMSS CHH. Shahu College of Engineering, Aurangabad, introduced an autonomous building vehicle designed to optimize material transport in construction zones, addressing labour shortages and improving efficiency. Developed by students from Jayawantrao Sawant College of Engineering, Pune, as part of Team Vanguardianas—Sakshi Desai, Tushar Dhangar, Prajwal Shelar, and Vishakha Bhosale —this advanced machine learning-based detection system effectively counters Interest Flooding Attacks (IFA) in Vehicular Named Data Networking (VNDN). Their innovative approach integrates Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) to strengthen network security for smart mobility applications. Implemented at roadside units, their solution achieved an impressive 94% accuracy in detecting cyber threats, enhancing the safety and resilience of vehicular communication networks. Meanwhile, Team Eklavya—led by Vidya Kolhe, Kartik Gite, Khushi Kumbhar, and Yashwant Salunke from CSMSS CHH. Shahu College of Engineering, Aurangabad, —hopes to transform the construction industry with an autonomous building vehicle designed for efficient material transport across diverse terrains. Inspired by moon rovers, the vehicle boasts high adaptability, minimal human intervention, and seamless operation in varied weather conditions, representing a major advancement in automation and smart infrastructure management. Vidya Kolhe, Leader of Team Eklavya, said, “The construction industry struggles with labour shortages, high costs, and inefficiencies in material handling. Our autonomous transport vehicle is designed to bridge these gaps by seamlessly moving construction materials across diverse terrains—with precision and reliability. Built for full autonomy, it operates in various weather conditions and features an intuitive dashboard, ensuring ease of use for non-technical personnel. The AI-driven navigation system enables real-time route adjustments, optimizing delivery paths while preventing material losses. Beyond construction sites, this innovation extends to warehouse automation, urban traffic management, and intercity goods transportation, contributing to the broader landscape of smart infrastructure. With its potential to reduce construction delays and improve overall site productivity, the project represents a significant advancement in the field of automated logistics.” KPIT Sparkle, one of India’s largest student innovation competitions, serves as a platform for aspiring students to showcase their innovations. Nearly 1.2 lakh students from more than 1,200 institutes have participated in KPIT Sparkle over the past 10 years. This year, the 11th edition of KPIT Sparkle witnessed participation from over 28,000 students representing more than 700 colleges, showcasing a wide range of technological advancements and ground-breaking innovations.

Maharashtra's Brightest Tech Minds Shine at KPIT Sparkle 2025 with AI-Driven Cybersecurity & Smart Construction Mobility Solutions

KPIT Sparkle 2025, a national innovation contest organized by KPIT Technologies, showcased cutting-edge solutions in cybersecurity and autonomous mobility from students across Maharashtra. Two standout projects included an AI-driven cybersecurity system to counter Interest Flooding Attacks (IFA) in vehicular networks and an autonomous building vehicle designed to optimize material transport in construction zones.