News from NUCSER | BlueNovathon- 2025

NITTE-GOK COE | AQUAMARIN and Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER) in collaboration with the Institutional Innovation Council, Nitte (DU), and K-tech, Government of Karnataka, hosted the BlueNovathon-2025, a national level ideathon in marine biotechnology on 2nd June 2025 at NUCSER. The event brought together students, startups and innovators to showcase solutions to the challenges in aquaculture, fisheries and the marine technology sector.

Prof. (Dr) M S Moodithaya, Vice Chancellor, Nitte DU presided over the event and inaugurated the program along with Dr. Nesara K, Coordinator, Institutional Innovation Council, Nitte DU, who was the chief guest of the day. Prof. (Dr.) Anirban Chakraborty, Director, NUCSER and CEO, NITTE-GOK COE | AQUAMARIN, welcomed the gathering, while Dr. Ashwath Nayak, CoE Manager, delivered the vote of thanks.

A total of sixteen teams representing institutions from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra pitched their ideas to the jury members comprising Prof (Dr) Indrani Karunasagar, Director Projects DST-NUTEC; Ronald D’Souza, Partner, Aquatic Biosystems Ltd.; Mr Vishwas U S, Founder, Director, Section infin8 and Mr Puneeth Rai, Manager, Atal Incubation Centre, Nitte (DU).

Top three ideas were selected for cash awards, who were felicitated during the valedictory program. The awardees were as follows:

• Winner: Synergy Marine Tech (₹7,000) for their battery-operated hybrid fishing vessel idea.
• First Runner-up: NatureMark Zoetech (₹5,000).
• Second Runner-up (tied): ShrimpDx and Zolyt (₹3,000 each).

Mr. Ashik Shetty, COE Head, and the entire project team of NITTE-GOK COE | AQUAMARIN coordinated the event.