The Western Ghat Regional Centre (WGRC) of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kozhikode, organised Hackathon 2026 on June 1 as part of the 111th Foundation Day celebrations of the ZSI. The event focussed on ‘Traditional Biodiversity Knowledge of Kerala and Karnataka’ and brought together students and researchers from various educational institutions across the two States.Eight teams, each comprising three members, presented projects addressing various aspects of biodiversity conservation. Dr. Vishwanatha D. Hegde, scientist F and officer in charge of WGRC, presided over the programme. The presentations were evaluated by a five-member panel comprising experts from leading research and academic institutions.The first prize was awarded to ‘Arivu—The Knowledge That Talks Back’, developed by a team led by Yash Sarogi of RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru. The second prize went to ‘Traditional Knowledge on Freshwater Fish and Fisheries of Kerala’, presented by a team from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) under the leadership of Dr. C.P. Shaji. ‘Biowave—A Mobile App for Traditional Knowledge Associated with Biodiversity of Kerala’, developed by students of Government Higher Secondary School, Balussery, under the leadership of Avani Chandhra, secured the third prize. Published - June 03, 2026 07:35 pm IST