PUNE: Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, successfully hosted Vishwanova 2026, its flagship innovation and project expo, drawing an overwhelming national response. The event witnessed participation from over 700 teams and over 3,000 students representing more than 120 institutions across 10+ states, reinforcing its stature as a premier platform for student-driven innovation in India.From this highly competitive pool, over 240 teams were shortlisted for the prototype demonstration round, where participants showcased functional models. Following rigorous evaluation, 60 teams were further recognized for their innovation and execution capabilities. The competition honoured excellence with three top awards and ten consolation prizes, carrying cash rewards of Rs 1,00,000, Rs 75,000, Rs 50,000, and Rs 5,000 respectively.The event was graced by chief guest Bhupesh Gahrotra, Managing Director at Accenture, and guest of honour Krishnakumar Madhavan from Seagate Technology, underscoring the strong industry-academia collaboration fostered by MIT-WPU.Vishwanova 2026 placed a clear emphasis on project-based learning, with participants required to present working prototypes rather than only concepts, unlike conventional hackathons. Among the notable performers were teams such as Technical Irony, VECTOR, HackHer Duo, Solder and Forget, and Automatic Chiks Brooder, reflecting a wide range of practical and innovative solutions showcased at the event.The innovation exhibition was conducted under the leadership and guidance of Rahul V. Karad, Executive President, MIT-WPU. The event was spearheaded by Chief Convenors Milind Pande, Pro-Vice Chancellor, and Ganesh Kakandikar, Dean – Innovation, among others. The event was seamlessly executed by MIT-WPU’s student club, Avinya.Addressing the gathering, Gahrotra appreciated the projects presented and emphasized the critical role of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance real-world applicability. He noted that adopting AI is no longer optional, and failing to do so may lead to a loss of relevance in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.Madhavan shared insights on the practical implementation of innovative ideas, encouraging participants to adopt emerging technologies responsibly with a strong focus on ethical considerations.