From Curiosity to Confidence: Uma’s Journey into AI-Powered Building
Student: Uma Mahesh L
Year: 3rd Year, GM University
Hackathon: Flipr Hackathon 26.2
Background
For Uma Mahesh, a 3rd-year student from GM University, learning was never about just completing assignments or courses — it was about understanding how things actually work in the real world.
He had explored coding and theory before, but what he truly wanted was real-time, hands-on experience — something that showed how ideas turn into working projects.
That search led him to Flipr Hackathon 26.2, where he finally found what he had been missing: guidance, structure, and a space to experiment freely.
The Challenge
Before the hackathon, Uma often felt like something was missing in his learning journey.
He knew the “what” and the “how” of technology — but not the “why.”
He didn’t have the right guidance or exposure to real-world projects. There was always curiosity, but no clear path to explore it.
Joining Flipr changed that. It gave him direction, mentorship, and the opportunity to see how real engineers think, collaborate, and build.
The Hackathon Experience
Uma describes the Flipr Hackathon as a blend of intensity and excitement.
Having participated in both offline and online hackathons, he could feel the difference — but the Flipr experience stood out for one reason: clarity.
He wasn’t just told what to build; he was guided through the how and why behind it.
That kind of structured mentorship made all the difference — helping him think like an engineer instead of just a student.
He recalls, “It wasn’t just about finishing a project; it was about learning the right approach.”
The Project
For his project, Uma built a Stock Market Analysis System — a platform designed to help users analyze stock trends using data-driven insights and AI.
What made this project special was how he integrated AI tools into the workflow, learning to use them not as shortcuts, but as smart companions in problem-solving.
Working solo, Uma handled everything — from setup and logic to AI integration and presentation.
And through it all, he discovered how AI can be leveraged effectively to enhance both accuracy and productivity in real-world applications.
Uma’s Contribution
Being a solo participant meant one thing — full ownership.
Uma handled the technical flow end to end, building every component and connecting every piece himself.
But his biggest contribution wasn’t just the working model — it was his ability to adapt and learn new tools on the fly.
He explored AI integrations, implemented Python logic, and used data to drive insights, proving that curiosity backed by persistence can build something truly impactful.
Outcome & Reflection
By the end of the hackathon, Uma didn’t just complete a project — he completed a transformation in mindset.
He learned how to leverage AI intelligently, how to manage time effectively, and how to break down complex problems into structured steps.
But more than anything, he gained the confidence to explore new technologies without hesitation.
He walked away with not just a project, but a process — a way of thinking and approaching challenges that will stay with him for life.
Student Quote
“The Flipr Hackathon taught me how to use AI tools the right way — not as a shortcut, but as an extension of my thinking.
It helped me understand how engineers build and how AI can truly amplify what we create.”
Closing Thoughts
From a student seeking real-time learning to someone confidently building AI-driven projects on his own, Uma Mahesh’s journey through Flipr Hackathon 26.2 captures the essence of what these experiences are all about — learning by doing.
At Flipr Labs, that’s what we aim to build — spaces where students don’t just code, but create, where they don’t just learn, but apply.
Because when curiosity meets the right guidance, that’s when innovation begins.