Team Kestrel, representing the Department of Computer Engineering, University of Peradeniya, secured second runner-up in the University AI Innovation category at the National AI Awards 2026, held as part of AI Expo Sri Lanka. The category recognised AI research, innovation, and solutions developed by universities and higher education institutions.

The team earned recognition for Kestrel, an AI-powered learning environment designed to transform textbooks and handwritten notes into structured study materials, interactive explanations, and animated educational content. The project aims to help learners explore concepts in engaging ways and access support tailored to their learning needs.

Kestrel combines multiple AI agents, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), handwriting recognition, knowledge graphs, and automated video generation. Together, these technologies support the conversion of source material into different learning formats, connecting written content with explanations and visual resources.

The team comprised Rashad Shamil and Dakshayani Ramanesh from the Department of Computer Engineering, and Thilac Ramesh from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. All three are undergraduate students at the University of Peradeniya, representing the Faculty of Engineering. 

The award marks a milestone for the team and its work in educational technology. Congratulations to Team Kestrel on this achievement and for bringing recognition to PeraCom and the University of Peradeniya.

Written by: Hirushi Adikari (Editor, Association of Computer Engineering Students)