Xcelerate 2025 ignites scientific spirit of young minds at Expert PU college

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 20, 2025: Expert Pre-University College, under the Expert Group of Institutions, hosted the inaugural edition of Xcelerate 2025, an Inter-School Science Xtravaganza that united young innovators from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Held at the Kodialbail campus, the fest featured four engaging categories — X-Quizit, X-IgnAIte, X-Zibit, and X-Sight — designed to spark curiosity and hands-on learning in STEM.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Pramod Hegde, Chairman and Managing Director of MEDITEK INDIA and Medorganics India Pvt. Ltd., who launched a symbolic rocket as an innovative inaugural to mark the occasion. Emphasizing the importance of nurturing scientific temperament and innovation among youth, he remarked, “Science is not just a subject — it’s a way of life.” He added: “Science is a journey with no final destination — we must keep experimenting and discovering new paths.”

Prof. Narendra L. Nayak, Chairman of the Expert Group of Institutions, officially declared the fest open, inspiring students to pursue excellence and draw lessons from scientific pioneers like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Marie Curie. He recommended Men of Mathematics by E.T. Bell as a must-read for young learners, as a compelling read on the evolution of scientific thought.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ushaprabha N. Nayak, Vice Chairperson, urged students to bridge theory and practice, calling the high school and pre-university years the “golden period” for shaping the next six decades of their lives.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Sri Darshan H. V., Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, who commended the initiative and encouraged students to become ambassadors of innovation across the globe. He added, “Success and failure are two sides of the same coin. What is important is to keep working towards the goal you have set upon.”

The winners and runners-up of the 4 events were:

X-Quizit: Winners: Ms. Chaithanyashree R Udupa and Mr. Sathvik Kundar from Viveka English Medium High School, Kota. Runners Up: Mr. Aarush Kallasarpe and Ms. Anaya Hegde from Cambridge School, Mangalore.  
X-Sight: Winners: Mr Rishab R Shetty and Arav Thottonveedu from Amrita Vidyalayam, Mangalore. Runners Up: Ms Omisha A Alva and Mr. Gagan V Samalad from Cambridge School, Mangalore. 

X-IgnAIte: Winners: Kaneeka Jain and Adyath Shettu from Cambridge School, Mangalore 
Runners Up: Pelathadka Thejas Bhat and Abhay Aloysius Lobo from Presidency School
X-Zibit: Winners: Shreshta Naik and Shastha Naik from Shakthi Residential School. 
Runners Up: Koushik N Kharvi and Sanvish M Poojary from Presidency School, Mangalore. 

Overall Champions of the fest went to Cambridge School, Mangalore and Runners Up Trophy went to Presidency School.
 
Distinguished guests included Sitar Maestro Ustad Rafiq Khan, Trustee of the Expert Group, and Prof. Ramachandra Bhat, Principal of Expert PU College, Kodialbail whose presence added grace and inspiration to the occasion.

The success of Xcelerate 2025 was made possible by the generous support of Food Partner: Spices N Chefs, for keeping participants energized and refreshed. Our sponsors, School Book Company: For providing vouchers and thoughtful goodies to winners, runners-up, and teacher participants.

- Ms. Divya Rai (Rai’s Masala), Ms. Mamtha Prasad (Friends Plywood), Mr. Sachin Puthran (Bubbles Juice), and Mr. Keshav (Mudra Printers): For their delightful gift hampers and custom coasters that added warmth and excitement to the event.

The event was hosted by Ms. Ujwal Pradeep, Lecturer in Biology, while Mr. Sourabh G Anchan, Program Coordinator and Lecturer in Physics, delivered the Vote of Thanks.

Xcelerate 2025 proved to be more than just another science fest — it was a launchpad for young minds to explore, interact, and innovate. With its unique blend of theory, practice, and mentorship, the fest set a new benchmark for science education in the region.

Xcelerate 2025 featured four dynamic categories — X-Quizit, X-IgnAIte, X-Zibit, and X-Sight — each tailored to spark interest in STEM through hands-on learning and spirited competition.

Carmel Ingenium was an interactive platform where the students not only participated to take home a trophy but to gain knowledge and seek opportunities to excel beyond academics and learn from each other. It was another fruitful learning experience at MCCS.