The Illinois Tech student team behind VigilAI, a startup focused on real-time crime detection, has been invited to the international Hult Prize competition. This invitation follows their success in winning the Grainger Computing Innovation Prize. The Hult Prize offers a $1 million reward and will see VigilAI competing nationally in Boston, with hopes of moving on to the global stage in London.
Utkarsh Nanda, who serves as CEO and chief technical officer of VigilAI, expressed, “I was delighted to hear the news," referring to this opportunity as a significant step in developing VigilAI as a business. The technology, designed to process multiple closed-circuit television feeds in real-time for detecting crimes and threats, boasts two pending patents. It enhances surveillance systems by providing rapid, context-enriched alerts through advanced pattern recognition and cloud-based processing.
Nanda and COO Utsav Pathak credit their education at Illinois Tech for supporting the startup's launch. Courses focused on data structures, algorithms, and advanced AI, combined with resources from the Kaplan Institute, facilitated both product and business model development. Pathak explains, “One other biggest challenge was finding the right set of mentors and resources," which they overcame through the Grainger Prize and Kaplan’s Startup Accelerator.
The team's progress, including a $15,000 award from the Grainger Prize, has amplified discussions with advisers and industry leaders. Looking ahead to the Hult Prize nationals, Nanda states, “There’ll be great talent coming from around the globe," anticipating valuable networking and potential opportunities. Additional team members, including Nijgururaj Ashtagi, Varn Tejas, and Gaurav Mourya, contribute to VigilAI's development.
The national competition in Boston will present a further avenue for VigilAI to connect with global talents and forge potential business advancements. This competition also brings recognition that could open new doors for the team.