A team of four talented students from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), under the team name “Deepsiik,” achieved remarkable success at the I-UM Disrupt Innovathon 2025 held on 24th May 2025. 

The team walked away with the Silver Award (RM1000 cash prize) and the Best Pitching Award, marking a significant milestone in their academic and innovation journey. 

Team members Thiriidev Kumar Murlidaran, Thanigai Kumaran Muthukumaran, Kevin M Das, and Kiew Zheng Wei represented the Asia Pacific Centre of Robotics Engineering (APCORE) under APU at this full-day event hosted by Universiti Malaya. 

The I-UM Disrupt Innovathon 2025 is a high-impact platform encouraging undergraduate innovators to propose AI-powered solutions for smart cities, ranging from hardware and software to sustainability science. 

Participants were evaluated on creativity, societal impact, and technical excellence by a distinguished panel of experts, with strict guidelines set for posters, live prototypes, and booth presentations in an exhibition-style pitching format. 

Under the guidance of Professor Ir EurIng Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer at APU, and mentored by Ts Suresh Gobee (Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering at APU), team Deepsiik showcased a forward-thinking project that addressed one of the most pressing challenges in urban development, which is flood risk management. 

A Predictive and Scalable Flood Risk Alert System 

The team’s project presented a predictive, real-time flood detection and alert system designed to protect lives, property, and urban infrastructure. 

Integrating various sensors and data streams, the system is scalable across cities and built to trigger early alerts for city disaster response teams. 

Their innovation not only impressed the judging panel with its technical execution, but also stood out for its relevance to urban resilience and public safety. 

Fostering Real-World Innovation 

Team Deepsiik’s success at the I-UM Disrupt Innovathon 2025 exemplifies APU’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation, real-world impact, and technical excellence. 

Through national competitions and dedicated mentorship, APU empowers students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and address pressing societal challenges. 

Team Deepsiik’s achievement not only highlights technical ingenuity, but also reinforces the value of predictive systems in creating smarter, safer cities. 

As Malaysia advances its smart city agenda, student innovators like team Deepsiik play a vital role in shaping a more responsive, data-driven urban future.