Engineering Colleges demonstrate their Innovative Capabilities in ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Technology

Pune, 8 October 2024: The inaugural edition of Autonomous BAJA SAEINDIA 2024 (aBAJA) concluded recently at The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), marking a significant milestone in the future of road safety and autonomous mobility.

Autonomous BAJA SAEINDIA 2024 (aBAJA) was a part of the 17th edition of the national-level engineering-student competition – BAJA SAEINDIA, where two new categories, viz aBAJA (Autonomous) and hBAJA (Hydrogen), were introduced alongside the ever-popular mBAJA (IC Engine) and eBAJA (Electric) categories.

Autonomous BAJA SAEINDIA 2024 (aBAJA) brought together five final teams from engineering colleges across India, who competed over three days in rigorous static and dynamic events, demonstrating their innovative capabilities in ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Technology.

The competition unfolded in three phases, the preliminary round hosted by Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Pune in July 2023, followed by the virtual round supported by Chitkara University, Chandigarh (in December 2023). Phase 3, which was the final physical event, took place in October 2024, hosted by ARAI.

Team IPS-Sprinters from IPS Academy, Institute of Engineering & Science, Indore, emerged as the overall champions, while Team Acroracerz from Acropolis Institute of Technology and Research, Indore and Team E-Ziba Racers from Shri Vishnu Engineering College for Women, Bhimavaram secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively, in the fiercely contested competition that showcased the best in Autonomous Vehicle Engineering.

Dr. Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI, in his welcome address, expressed that, “ARAI has been a proud partner of BAJA SAEINDIA for several years and the first-ever edition of aBAJA hosted now, is a testament to our commitment to drive the future of automotive technology.”

The Chief Guest, Rajendra Abhange, Director & Chief Operating Officer, Endurance Technologies, emphasized the importance of autonomous mobility and its impact on the automotive component manufacturing industry. He noted, “The component manufacturing sector will depend on engineers who are not only innovative but also understand the intricacies of autonomous systems, and aBAJA plays a pivotal role in creating that pipeline of future leaders.”

Dr K C Vora, Professor of Practice & Advisor, BAJA SAEINDIA 2025, highlighted the alignment of the event with the evolving technological landscape of the automotive industry. He indicated that BAJA SAEINDIA 2024 has embraced the theme ‘Multiverse of Mobility’ by introducing two new categories, reflecting the convergence of diverse technologies, transportation modes, safety and sustainability initiatives.

Ajeenkya DY Patil University supported the event as a co-partner with the volunteers actively involved in the initiative. Dr Rakesh Kumar Jain, Vice Chancellor of Ajeenkya DY Patil University, emphasized the profound educational impact of the event. He noted, “BAJA SAEINDIA serves as a vital bridge between academia and industry, integrating technological and innovative skills with essential soft skills, such as communication, time management, leadership, passion and teamwork. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to creating meaningful outcomes through collaborative efforts, perfectly aligning with the vision of the University.”

Other distinguished guests at the Valedictory Function included Dr G Nagarajan, Senior VP SAE INDIA; Shri Ramanathan Srinivasan, MD, ATS; Dr Divyanshu Joshi, Group Leader – Body & Chassis, Jaguar Land Rover; Shri Balraj Subramaniam, Chairman, Organizing Committee, BAJA SAEINDIA; Shri Shantanu Sonar, Lead Judge, aBAJA SAEINDIA 2024; Shri Arun Shankar, Convener from Continental; Ms Ujjwala Karle, Jt Convener and Deputy Director – ARAI and Shri Saurabh Chitnavis, Jt Convener from ATS.

The final day also saw the announcement of various awards, including that of ARAI AMTIF for furthering start-up eco-system and Intellimobility, an ideation hackathon for college students celebrating technical ingenuity and creativity.

At end of the event, Balraj Subramaniam and Dr K C Vora , announced the opening of registrations for Autonomous BAJA SAEINDIA 2025.