IIT Madras Student Wins $10,000 at Google Hackathon for AI Tool

AK Deepankar, a student pursuing a BS in Data Science and Applications at IIT Madras, achieved significant recognition by winning USD 10,000 at Google's All Things Agentic Hackathon held on October 26-27, 2026. His project, ShipGuard, is an AI-powered system that identifies and resolves bugs in iOS applications, showcasing how artificial intelligence can enhance software development processes. Deepankar's innovative approach to debugging highlights the role of technology in improving efficiency and effectiveness in software engineering.

The concept behind ShipGuard is to assist developers in addressing software issues more quickly. When a beta user reports a bug via Apple's TestFlight, the system analyzes the relevant code and proposes a solution, enabling developers to make informed decisions without having to locate fixes independently. This tool aims to minimize the time spent on debugging, leading to faster updates and better user experiences.

Deepankar's success at the hackathon follows another impressive achievement earlier in the year, where he won USD 20,000 for his personal growth application, Bloom. ShipGuard operates using Google's Agent Development Kit (ADK), Gemini AI, and Google Cloud, providing a robust framework for its functionality. One key feature of the system is that it keeps developers involved in the decision-making process, as it does not automatically implement changes without their approval. This aspect underscores the importance of human oversight in software development, ensuring that critical decisions remain with developers while still benefiting from AI support.

Before his victory at the Google hackathon, Deepankar had already established himself as a promising innovator by winning a previous hackathon for Bloom, an application designed to empower women in achieving their personal goals. This app incorporates gamification elements to make personal development engaging and interactive. His consistent success in hackathons reflects a commitment to leveraging technology to solve real-world problems and enhance lives.

As Deepankar continues his academic journey at IIT Madras, his achievements serve as an inspiration for fellow students and aspiring technologists. His work exemplifies the potential of young innovators to make a significant impact in the tech industry, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence and software development. With a strong foundation in both academic and practical experiences, Deepankar is well-positioned to contribute to future advancements in technology and innovation.