Looking back at some of the milestones in my technology journey, one experience that stands out is participating in the All-Island SLIoT Challenge 2023.
During this competition, I had the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues from Java Institute for Advanced Technology, competing under the team name “Hades.”
Together, we worked on an innovative project that eventually earned us 3rd Place at the national-level competition.
The Challenge
The SLIoT Challenge brought together teams from across Sri Lanka to design and build practical Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that addressed real-world problems.
Participants were expected to develop working prototypes that demonstrated creativity, engineering skills, and practical application.
Our team decided to approach the problem from a different perspective.
Instead of building a conventional system, we explored the possibility of creating a tracking device that operates without relying on mobile data or internet connectivity.
Our Idea
Most modern tracking systems depend heavily on mobile networks and internet-based communication. While these systems work well in cities, they often face limitations in remote or low-connectivity areas.
Our concept was to design a tracking device capable of transmitting location information without using mobile data.
The goal was to create a system that could be:
- More reliable in areas with weak connectivity
- Less dependent on continuous internet access
- Practical for rural or remote environments
By focusing on this challenge, we developed a working prototype that demonstrated how alternative communication methods could be used for tracking purposes.
Team Hades
Our team, Hades, consisted of passionate individuals who shared an interest in IoT systems, embedded hardware, and problem-solving through technology.
Working together under the academic environment of the Java Institute for Advanced Technology, we collaborated to design, build, and present our solution within the competition timeframe.
The experience was both challenging and rewarding.
The Achievement
After presenting our prototype and demonstrating its functionality, our team proudly secured 3rd Place in the All-Island SLIoT Challenge 2023.
Competing against talented teams from across the island made the achievement even more meaningful.
Reflecting on the Experience
Although the competition took place in 2023, it remains an important milestone in my journey as a developer and technologist.
Experiences like these helped strengthen my interest in building practical technology solutions, experimenting with new ideas, and collaborating with others to solve real-world problems.
Competitions such as the SLIoT Challenge continue to inspire young innovators across Sri Lanka to explore the potential of IoT and emerging technologies.
And for our team, Hades, it was an experience we will always remember.
