SUNNYVALE, Calif. (DIYA TV) — In the heart of Silicon Valley, where the cultivation of technology has become as embedded into the culture as the California sunshine, alumnus of IIT Bombay continued their time honored approach to the growth of technology by hosting a hackathon at Juniper Networks last weekend.
Consul General Ashok Venkatesan was on hand to christen the ceremonies, before two-dozen teams of engineers began a near 24-hour marathon of programming, strategy and planning.
“It is here that Silicon Valley Indian Americans can play a beaconed role in showing how modern technology adapted to Indian conditions can benefit not only Indians, but others in developing countries around the world,” Venkatesan said.
First place in the competition went to team AIS, which developed what they referred to as a “Shazam for movies.”
For some of the participants, the hackathon didn’t just represent the chance to win a cash prize, or in some cases, a new job, but instead brings them together with other engineers who share the same passion for technology development.
“I’m able to work with all these different people, of all these different levels of expertise, and we’re all able to learn no matter what level we’re at,” said Deep Sethi, a participant in the event.
Others appreciate the ability to conceive a program, and see it come to fruition.
“It’s a great experience, because it’s like holding your own baby,” said Howard Li. “It’s like you create something that you love.”
Diya TV was on scene for the inaugural hackathon, watch a preview of the festivities below, and be sure to catch the full report on Sunday at 6 p.m. on our flagship, channel 26.2 in the Bay Area.