Bengaluru: A team of students from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), CMR Institute of Technology (CMRIT), Bengaluru, has secured the First Prize in the Private Institution Category at Manthan – Business Plan Competition 2026, organised by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) and held recently at Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru.
The team won the competition with “SpeakAble – Giving Voice to Every Ability,” an innovative smart wearable glove designed to help people who rely on sign language communicate more easily. The project converts hand gestures into speech in real time using sensors, a mobile application and wireless connectivity.
With more than 1,700 idea submissions and over 120 teams shortlisted, the competition brought together promising student innovators and entrepreneurs. The CMRIT team emerged as the winner in the Private Institution Category and received a cash prize of ₹2.5 lakh.
The winning team comprised Swaraj Kumar Sahu (Team Leader), Sohan B, Siona Raj and Sahil Pradhan, under the mentorship of Prof. Lynsha Helena Pratheeba HP.
The achievement reflects the students’ innovation, teamwork, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, while highlighting CMRIT’s commitment to fostering innovation and developing technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges.