Mysore/Mysuru: Innovation is the only true differentiator in today’s world, said Rohith Aradhya, Vice-President and Managing Director, Barracuda Networks.

Speaking after inaugurating the two-day Software Edition of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) organised by Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE) at its premises here recently, he noted that the world is on the verge of a technological transformation where knowledge alone no longer provides an edge.

“Any information is available at our fingertips. What matters is how you use it, how you add value and how effectively you execute your ideas,” he said.

Drawing from his experience, Rohith emphasised that success is driven far more by execution than ideation.

 “Five percent is the idea; 95 percent is execution. It’s not the smartest idea that wins, but how well you bring it to life,” he remarked and urged students to understand the core problem they are solving, visualise their solutions in a larger context, and refine them for real-world environments.

VVCE Principal Dr. B. Sadashive Gowda said students from across India are participating with the shared goal of contributing to the nation’s journey from a service-based to a product-based economy.  “India aims to grow from a USD 4.2 trillion economy to USD 25 – 35 trillion by 2047. Creative, product-oriented thinking by young innovators is essential.”

Convenor V. Ravikumar informed that SIH 2025 features 60 nodal centres nationwide including VVCE securing second highest representations from Karnataka.

It is hosting 20 teams with around 140 participants from premier institutions across India tackling core problem statements under expert jury evaluation. These talents will compete to develop innovative solutions to real world challenges based on problem statements provided by AICTE, New Delhi.

Gundappa Gowda, President of Vidyavardhaka Sangha, presided. P. Vishwanath, Secretary, VVS, Shrishaila Ramannavar, Treasurer, Akhilesh Kumar Singh, AICTE representative, Shobha Shankar, Vice-Principal, VVCE,  C.R. Aditya, Nodal Centre Incharge and Nithin Kumar of Nodal Centre, were present.