IUST hosts 'BitByte 2024' to foster innovation, Skill Development

Awantipora, Nov 19: The Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), in collaboration with the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED) and sponsored by DST NIDHI, organized the two-day technical fest “BitByte 2024,” which concluded today.

The event was designed to encourage technological innovation, skill development, and creative thinking among students, drawing participation from youth across the Kashmir Valley.

In his valedictory address, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST, emphasized that events like BitByte 2024 are vital for developing skills that align with the demands of the rapidly evolving technological landscape, and promote technical excellence and creativity among the students.

Prof AH Moon, Dean Academic Affairs IUST, who inaugurated the festival, highlighted the importance of such platforms in nurturing young minds and fostering a culture of innovation. “BitByte 2024” offered a wide range of competitions aimed at testing and enhancing participants' technical and creative skills, that included coding challenges, technical quizzes, mathematical problem-solving, web designing, online gaming tournaments, debates, board games, web development competitions, MathSolve 1.0, gaming competitions, and more.

The event was attended by Prof Parvez A Mir, Director CIED IUST; Dr Kaiser Javeed Giri, Dean School of Engineering and Technology (SOE&T); Dr Sajaad Ahmad Lone, Head Department of Computer Science and Engineering; and Dr Adil Bashir, Coordinator BitByte 2024, among others. With over 150 students from various institutions participating, the fest became a hub for talent and innovation. The competitions not only tested students’ technical abilities but also promoted collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking among participants.