Kasaragod: The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC) of the Central University of Kerala organised IDEA FORGE ’26, an idea-pitching competition to promote innovation, entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving among students.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Siddu P. Algur inaugurated the programme. Dr. Adithya V., IEDC Nodal Officer, delivered the welcome address, and Dr. Rajitna Balakrishnan, Co-Nodal Officer, introduced the event. Prof. Saji T.G., Director of IQAC and Placement Director, delivered the felicitation address.

EduVault AI, represented by Rakesh Kumar Mandal, Neeraj Kumar R. and Manish Kumar, won first prize. Buffer Breakers, comprising Mohd Raza and Raisidam Srikanth, secured second prize, while Inter Class, represented by Seethal P., Anagha A. and Amritha R. K., won third prize.

The judging panel comprised Prof. V.B. Sameer Kumar of the Department of Genomic Science, Divya T., Co-Founder of FilmLance Technologies, and Renuka Bala of Mambally’s Royal Biscuit Factory.

The programme also saw the launch of the university’s IEDC website by the Vice Chancellor and the introduction of the IEDC Executive Committee for 2026-27. The competition provided students with an opportunity to pitch innovative ideas and explore solutions to real-world challenges.