The Department of Computer Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, has yet again demonstrated its potential in the field of technology and innovation. A group of exceptional students from the department participated in the prestigious SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards 2023 and emerged victorious in the “Best Innovative Product/Project – University – Central Province” category, leaving a remarkable impact on the event.
The SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards is a highly esteemed platform that recognises and celebrates innovation and excellence in Sri Lanka’s technology sector. This year’s event, which took place on June 16th at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La Colombo, witnessed over 200 participants from all nine provinces, each showcasing their groundbreaking contributions to the country’s tech ecosystem. The awards were jointly organized by SLASSCOM’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum and the Regional Development Forum, with Sysco LABS, a leading technology innovation company, serving as the exclusive main sponsor for the event.
The winning project, titled “Food Recommendation System Using Machine Learning for Diabetic Patients,” stood out for its relevance, innovation, and potential to make a significant impact on the lives of diabetic patients. The project aimed to address the challenge faced by diabetic patients in determining the suitability of certain foods for their condition, particularly when the Glycemic Index (GI) information is not readily available on packaged foods. The ingenious solution presented by the University of Peradeniya students was an intelligent mobile application called “Diabeedoc.” By simply using Diabeedoc, users can quickly determine whether a particular food is suitable for their condition.
Moreover, if a food is found to be unsuitable, Diabeedoc takes it a step further by employing a machine learning-based substitution system. The app recommends alternative foods that are more compatible with the user’s dietary requirements, thus empowering individuals to make healthier and diabetes-friendly choices effortlessly.
The project’s success can be attributed to the relentless efforts and dedication of the student team members: Viraj Dhanushka, Damith Wijayasinghe, and Theminda Srimal, all from the E16 Batch. Their commitment to innovation and their passion for leveraging technology to improve lives have earned them well-deserved recognition at a national level.
None of this would have been possible without the guidance and support of their project supervisors, Mr. Sampath Deegalle, Mrs. Nadeesha Adikari, and Dr. Hashan Amarathunga. Their expertise and mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping the project and guiding the students toward success.
The triumph of the PeraCom students at the SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards 2023 is undoubtedly a moment of immense pride for the entire Department of Computer Engineering. It exemplifies the department’s commitment to nurturing and empowering students, fostering innovation, and contributing to Sri Lanka’s technological advancements.
Isara Tillekerenatne
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