St. Joseph Engineering College’s strategic focus on innovation and mentorship pays off as SJEC AERO Team secures top national honour.
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Mangaluru, April 8, 2025: In a groundbreaking achievement that underscores the power of the right approach, vision, and perseverance, the SJEC AERO team from St. Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Mangaluru, has etched its name in history by clinching All India Rank 1 in the prestigious Micro Aircraft Category at the SAEISS Drone Development Challenge 2025 held at Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology, Tamil Nadu.
Competing against more than 80 premier institutions from across India, the SJEC AERO team not only emerged as the national champion but also secured Second Place in the Technical Presentation Category, cementing its status as a leader in innovation-driven aeromodelling.
This historic victory was the result of a methodical and research-based approach, coupled with unwavering commitment from a passionate team that exemplified technical brilliance, problem-solving, and teamwork.
The Flight to Victory: A Triumph of Innovation
At the core of SJEC AERO’s winning formula was an aircraft that stood out in every conceivable way:
- Innovative Aerodynamic Design
- Lightweight and Efficient Structural Build
- Exceptional Flight Stability and Control
- Real-world Performance Validated Through Rigorous Testing
The aircraft, designed with a rectangular wing delivered outstanding lift and energy efficiency. Piloted with surgical precision by Manvish M K, the aircraft impressed the judges with its superior in-air agility and reliability.
In the Technical Presentation round, the team showcased a compelling narrative that highlighted:
- A scientific and analytical approach to design and testing
- Computational and experimental validations
- Potential real-world applications, including disaster relief and smart surveillance
- Roadmap for future improvements in micro-aircraft innovation
Behind the Success: A Team Rooted in Excellence
This landmark achievement was a collaborative masterpiece led by Team Captain Akshay Bangera and supported by a dynamic, multi-skilled squad:
- Pilot: Manvish M K
- Theoretical Team: Jeevith G, Adithya R, Gurumadhava H, Rahul TP
- Design Team: Jeevith G, Manvish M K, Akshay Bangera, Lekhna Shetty
- Computational Team: Rijish A G, Renika Yathish, Stanzil Flemin Menezes, Akshay Bangera
Each member played a pivotal role in taking SJEC AERO from being an enthusiastic college club to a national symbol of student-driven excellence.
Foundations of Success: Vision, Infrastructure, Mentorship
Founded in 2019 by Varun Raj J and a group of aviation enthusiasts, SJEC AERO began its journey with a 13th-place finish at the SAEINDIA Aero Design Challenge. Under the able guidance of faculty coordinator Mr. Yathish, the club evolved into a powerhouse of technical innovation.
Central to this transformation was the SJEC AICTE IDEA Lab, which provided crucial access to modern fabrication tools and technologies such as laser cutters, 3D printers, soldering stations, and hot air guns. Transitioning from heavy foam to Depron and Balsa wood enhanced the flight performance, while support from Ninetron Tech (Abdul Shamer and Shamanth Gowda) gave the final push towards excellence.
The college’s proactive support system—both in infrastructure and financial backing—proved to be a vital enabler, reaffirming the role of institutional vision in shaping student-led success stories.
Impact Beyond the Trophy: A Movement in Motion
More than just a competition-winning team, SJEC AERO is an active torchbearer for aeromodelling education in the region. Through:
- School visits and workshops
- Hands-on training sessions
- Guest lectures by aviation experts
The team is nurturing the next generation of innovators and engineers, expanding the reach of aeronautical knowledge.
A Legacy of Achievements
SJEC AERO’s recent victory builds upon a legacy of accomplishments that have steadily elevated the club’s national profile:
- 13th Rank – SAEINDIA Aero Design Challenge 2019
- 2nd Place – Fluxus 2023, IIT Indore
- 1st Place – Boeing National Aeromodelling, West Zone, IIT Bombay (2023) – with a record 40-golf-ball transport
Led by experienced mentors and office bearers like Captain Mayur, Vice-Captain Akshay Bangera, and Chief Pilot Trainer Abhik L Salian, the club continues to thrive as a nucleus of creativity, precision, and purpose.
SJEC AERO: Where The Sky Is Not The Limit; It’s Just the Beginning.
