A Hardware-Driven AI & Blockchain Triumph at World ETH New Delhi 2025

Innovation met intelligence when three students from the School of Computing (SoC) at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) clinched Third Place in two categories at the World ETH New Delhi 2025 finals, held from 26th to 28th September 2025.

The winning trio — Htet Aung Hlaing (Artificial Intelligence), Ling Siew Win (Computer Science) and Viman Vinesh (Software Engineering) — were guided by their senior, Yudhishthra S Sugumaran, an APU alumnus of BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Cyber Security).

Their double win at this global Ethereum and Web3 hackathon not only highlighted their technical mastery but also reflected APU’s education in action — where classroom learning evolves into real-world innovation.

Supervised by Professor Ir EUR ING Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, APU’s Chief Innovation and Enterprise Officer, the team’s creation, “MOFO” (My On-Chain Flirt Operator), impressed the judges and industry alike, earning them Third Place for Best Use of Artificial Superintelligence Alliance and another Third Place for Best Mini App (WorldApp).

Standing Out in a Sea of Global Innovators

Hosted by ETHGlobal and held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, the event gathered thousands of developers from across the globe to build, brainstorm, and innovate within a 48–72-hour hackathon sprint.

Amid the flurry of software projects, APU’s team stood out — quite literally — as the only group to present a hardware-based innovation. Their invention attracted global attention. As Prof Vinesh proudly remarked,

“This drew the best outcome for APU, as we now have 53 companies — including seven from Silicon Valley — interested in our application.”

Such recognition was more than a competition milestone; it was a testament to APU’s ecosystem of mentorship, collaboration, and interdisciplinary learning.

From Classroom Knowledge to Real-World Impact

According to Prof Vinesh, the team’s success was deeply rooted in the multi-disciplinary knowledge cultivated through APU’s curriculum.

“Within just two weeks, the team developed their main product by combining skills in Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, and Mechatronics Engineering. Their project demonstrates the power of applying what you learn in the classroom to real-world innovation,” he shared.

Indeed, the students’ ability to integrate complex technologies into a cohesive system showcased their strong foundation — and APU’s commitment to producing graduates who think beyond textbooks.

MOFO: Redefining Online Dating with AI, Neuroscience & Blockchain

At the core of their triumph lies MOFO — My On-Chain Flirt Operator, an AI-powered dating platform that unites neuroscience, blockchain, and autonomous agents to transform how people connect online.

Built around privacy, trust, and authenticity, MOFO uses EEG brainwave analysis, AI-driven compatibility checks, and on-chain identity verification to help users find meaningful relationships while protecting their personal data.

A key differentiator is its hardware-software bridge — a 60-second EEG brainwave capture booth that analyses neural patterns and translates them into personality insights, processed locally to ensure privacy.

On the intelligence layer, MOFO employs Fetch.ai’s Agentverse to generate personalised AI agents representing each user, enhanced by symbolic reasoning through the MeTTa engine. The blockchain backbone, powered by WorldCoin’s World ID and ENS integration, secures each interaction through trustless verification.

It resulted in a futuristic dating experience where AI agents conduct 15-minute virtual “mini-dates” to assess compatibility before users meet — significantly reducing mismatches and no-shows through a staking-based incentive model.

The Future of Digital Connection

Beyond competition, MOFO’s possibilities are expansive. Future iterations may include cross-chain compatibility, a marketplace of customisable AI agents, portable EEG booths for social events, and even VR/AR-powered immersive dating experiences.

By blending science, technology, and human emotion, MOFO reimagines digital connection and highlights how APU students are capable of solving deeply human challenges through innovation.

Empowering Innovation, One Student at a Time

The APU team’s double win marks yet another chapter in the university’s growing reputation as a hub for forward-thinking innovators. It underscores the institution’s philosophy — where mentorship, collaboration, and practical learning converge to prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges.

As Prof Vinesh aptly concluded, “At APU, we believe real innovation happens when students apply their classroom knowledge to solve problems beyond campus walls. Our students have proven that you don’t have to wait until you graduate to show your capabilities — you can make an impact now, while still learning.”

Their victory at World ETH New Delhi 2025 not only celebrates student excellence but also affirms APU’s enduring vision: to nurture innovators who shape technology with purpose, creativity, and a human touch.