A team of Caleb University students from the Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Software Engineering department has emerged as the winner of the Bell’s University Hackathon Competition with a newly developed world-class software named Valor.
Speaking on the new innovation while hosting the team in his office, Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Adewale, stated that Caleb University has become a hub for innovation and academic excellence, adding that the success of Valor at Bell’s University Hackathon is a testament to Caleb University’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence, innovation, and real-world problem-solving endeavours.
The Professor of Applied Mathematics noted that as an institution, Caleb University fosters an environment that emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on learning, and cutting-edge research, providing students with the tools and resources necessary to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“Valor, the Smart, Bold, Brainy, Savvy Mango Master that won the first position for Caleb University, fuses Artificial Intelligence power with fruity precision, using advanced computer vision and deep learning models, thereby detecting ripeness in a snap.”
He noted that it was strategically designed to leverage machine learning algorithms and image processing, as it classifies ripeness with impressive precision.
He pointed out that the innovation was composed of skilled student professionals in software engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence. The students’ innovative solution, fuelled by the power of vivid imagination, addresses common challenges in the agricultural sector, as the team developed a state-of-the-art app that utilises machine learning and AI to detect whether a mango is ripe or rotten.
According to the Team Lead, Harmony Abayomi, “Detecting ripeness and spoilage in mangoes remains a significant challenge for farmers, suppliers, and consumers. Identifying when a mango is perfectly ripe can be difficult.”
He added that overripe fruits lead to wastage and loss of value, while underripe ones fail to meet the expectations of consumers who want fresh, ready-to-eat, and nutritious fruits.
Abayomi explained that the importance of this app becomes expedient when traditional methods, like visual inspection or physical feel, are often subjective and unreliable, which may result in good fruits being discarded or left unsold, the computer science student stressed.
The Head of Department, Dr. Adeniyi Akanni, stated that the team’s winning product is a sophisticated web and mobile application that leverages advanced machine learning and AI algorithms, stressing that the app can accurately determine the ripeness of mangoes by analysing images and data.
Also, the team Coordinator, Mr. Theophilus Ajala, explained that the team’s pioneering work represents the intersection of technology and agriculture, adding that the AI-powered mango ripeness detection app is not only a testament to technical expertise but also a symbol of the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.
“As they continue to enhance their project, Caleb University has proven to be the destination for advancing agricultural and scientific innovation, setting new standards for how technology can improve food quality and reduce waste worldwide.”
