Three-Day Bootcamp on AI & Robotics Concludes at (DYD), KU
Srinagar: The Centre for Design Your Degree (DYD) at the Zakura Campus, University of Kashmir, successfully concluded a three-day bootcamp on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
Speaking at the valedictory session, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, described the launch of the Design Your Degree programme as “one of the best decisions the University has taken.”
She said the initiative is helping KU transition toward a more flexible, interdisciplinary and future-oriented model of learning. Prof. Khan also commended the DYD Centre for organising an impactful and innovative bootcamp.
Registrar, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, said the bootcamp was designed to equip participants with foundational knowledge and practical experience in AI and Robotics — two of the fastest-growing fields in modern technology. He added that such programmes promote creativity, problem-solving, and technological awareness among students.
Director, IoT Zakura Campus, Prof. Tariq Banday, emphasised the importance of organising such camps to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world technological applications.
Coordinator DYD, Prof. Syeda Afshana, highlighted that during the hands-on sessions, experts guided students through each step of the learning process. By the end of the camp, participants successfully designed circuitry, built and flew quadcopters, created smart home prototypes, and developed AI-based maze solvers.
She added, “This camp was never about coding alone. It was about courage: the courage to explore, to fail, to retry and to learn. It was about discovering that innovation is not confined to engineers; it belongs to anyone willing to ask “what if.” The energy of our students, the patience of our mentors, and the collaborative learning spirit we witnessed have truly made this camp an interesting chapter in the DYD journey”.
The resource persons for the bootcamp included Dr. Zaid Muhammad, Dr. Abdul Mueed, Dr. Farooq Najar, Dr. Sahil Sholla, and Dr. Dinesh Kumar. The DYD supporting staff, led by Syed Illyas Nazir, played a key role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Basit Abubakar, faculty at the DYD Centre.
The bootcamp brought together DYD students from flagship institutions across Kashmir — including the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar, and Amar Singh College, Srinagar —promoting inter-institutional collaboration, innovation and exchange of ideas.
