AI-Powered Solutions at KPIT Sparkle 2025: Cybersecurity and Autonomous Vehicles Revolutionize Smart Mobility and Construction!

At KPIT Sparkle 2025, two student projects from Maharashtra stood out for their innovative AI-driven solutions.

A team from Jayawantrao Sawant College of Engineering, Pune, developed an AI-based cybersecurity system to protect vehicular networks from Interest Flooding Attacks (IFA). Using machine learning, Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), and Large Language Models (LLMs), the system achieved a 94% accuracy rate in detecting threats, enhancing smart mobility security.

Another team from CSMSS CHH. Shahu College of Engineering, Aurangabad, introduced an autonomous construction vehicle designed to transport materials across different terrains with minimal human intervention. The vehicle’s AI navigation system adjusts routes in real-time, improving efficiency and addressing labor shortages.

KPIT Sparkle, one of India’s largest student innovation contests, saw over 28,000 participants this year, showcasing cutting-edge technological innovations to solve real-world problems.

AI-Powered Solutions at KPIT Sparkle 2025: Cybersecurity and Autonomous Vehicles Revolutionize Smart Mobility and Construction!

KPIT Sparkle, one of India’s most prestigious student innovation competitions, concluded its 2025 edition with groundbreaking projects that highlighted the potential of young minds to tackle real-world challenges. This year, over 28,000 students from across the country participated, showcasing their creativity in fields like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and sustainable technology. Among the standout entries were two projects from Maharashtra—one focused on strengthening cybersecurity for smart vehicles and the other revolutionizing logistics in the construction sector. Both solutions demonstrated how AI can address critical gaps in modern industries.

AI-Powered Defense Against Cyberattacks in Vehicles

A team from Jayawantrao Sawant College of Engineering in Pune developed an advanced AI-driven system to protect vehicular networks from cyber threats, specifically targeting Interest Flooding Attacks (IFAs). These attacks overwhelm a vehicle’s communication network with fake data requests, causing delays or crashes in critical systems like navigation or collision detection. With modern cars relying heavily on internet-connected features, such vulnerabilities pose serious safety risks.

The team’s solution combines machine learning with Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)—a technique that analyzes data traffic in real-time—to identify suspicious patterns. By integrating Large Language Models (LLMs), the system can understand complex attack strategies and adapt to new threats. For example, if a hacker tries to flood the network with repetitive requests, the AI flags the anomaly and blocks the malicious activity. This hybrid approach achieved an impressive 94% accuracy in detecting threats during testing, significantly higher than traditional methods.

This innovation is particularly relevant as the automotive industry shifts toward smart mobility, including self-driving cars and connected vehicle ecosystems. By securing communication networks, this technology could prevent accidents caused by cyber intrusions and ensure smoother, safer transportation systems.

Autonomous Vehicles for Construction Sites: Solving Labor Shortages

Meanwhile, students from CSMSS CHH. Shahu College of Engineering in Aurangabad designed an autonomous vehicle tailored for construction environments. The construction industry often struggles with labor shortages, delayed projects, and safety risks for workers transporting heavy materials. This AI-powered vehicle aims to tackle these issues by automating material delivery across rough terrains like muddy sites, uneven surfaces, or debris-filled areas.

Equipped with sensors and cameras, the vehicle scans its surroundings to navigate dynamically. Its AI algorithm processes real-time data—such as weather conditions, obstacle locations, and terrain stability—to adjust routes instantly. For instance, if a path becomes blocked due to machinery or loose soil, the vehicle recalculates a safer alternative without human input. This minimizes downtime and ensures materials like steel, cement, or tools reach workers efficiently.

The team emphasized the vehicle’s potential to reduce reliance on manual labor, lower costs, and improve workplace safety. Unlike traditional forklifts or trucks, which require skilled operators, this autonomous system can function round-the-clock, even in hazardous conditions.

KPIT Sparkle: A Launchpad for Future Innovators

KPIT Sparkle has become a cornerstone for student innovation in India, encouraging participants to merge technical skills with practical problem-solving. The 2025 edition highlighted themes like sustainability and digital transformation, reflecting global priorities. Judges evaluated projects based on creativity, feasibility, and societal impact, with winning teams receiving mentorship and funding to scale their ideas.

The cybersecurity and smart mobility projects exemplify how students are addressing urgent challenges. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, solutions like the Pune team’s AI system could become standard in vehicle manufacturing. Similarly, autonomous construction vehicles might soon be a common sight on job sites, streamlining logistics in an industry ripe for automation.

Conclusion

KPIT Sparkle 2025 not only celebrated student talent but also underscored the role of education in driving technological progress. By providing a platform for hands-on innovation, the competition empowers the next generation of engineers and thinkers to turn bold ideas into tangible solutions. As these projects move from prototypes to real-world applications, they could redefine industries, making transportation safer, construction smarter, and technology more resilient against evolving threats.

In a world grappling with rapid technological change, initiatives like KPIT Sparkle remind us that the future lies in nurturing curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to tackle the impossible.