Innovation at Sona Institutions: Xccelerator in Action

At Sona Institutions, innovation and applied research are not just concepts — they are a way of life. Initiated by Sona Star Innovation Pvt Ltd, the Xccelerator program empowers students to solve real-world challenges while preparing them for a rapidly evolving global workforce using advanced digital technologies.

Industry voices:

“By identifying real problems and finding the right technological solutions, we are not only elevating the sector but also creating unheard-of outcomes in placements. This progress reflects the commendable work being done and the culture of innovation driving us forward.”
— Mr. Rabindra Sah, CTO, Indian Register of Shipping, Mumbai

“No questions… only solutions. Solving problems is our focus. We look at our faculty and students as problem solvers — taking up challenges and bringing out solutions. Education is no longer in the background; it is moving to the forefront.”
— Mr. Thyagu Valliappa, Vice Chairman, Sona Group of Institutions & MD, Sona Star Innovation Pvt Ltd.

Impact so far:

Nearly all students from Xccelerator 1.0 (Sep 2023 – Mar 2024) secured placements in leading companies with higher packages.
A few highlight projects included developing digital twins in autonomous connected EVs, collaborative robots, unmanned aerial vehicles (quad-copter drones), 3D printing, and smart manufacturing.

Xccelerator 2.0 (Oct 2024 – ongoing) introduced creative and impactful projects such as:

• Automatic Sambar Dispenser
• Ergonomic Replantation Device for women in agriculture
• Advanced AI based App for disease detection of coffee leaves
• Roller Wheel Boat
• Vegetable Cutting Machine

AR/VR Unreal Engine Vertical Projects:

Xccelerator 1.0:

1. Salem City – A Glimpse Through the Lens
2. Sona College of Technology Campus on VR
3. Exploring the Textile Industry
4. Gaming for Fitness
5. Immersive Visualization AEC
6. Audi Car Configurator

Xccelerator 2.0:

7. Urban Walkway
8. Agriculture Simulation
9. Parkour Game
10. Hyper Sonic Rocket Launcher
11. The Escape Room
12. Isha Yoga Centre
13. Smart Home With Renewable Energy Source
14. The Water

Design Engineering Solutions for Industrial Challenges – Developed Using Dassault Systèmes Platform/Software:

• Design of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
• Design of Foldable Containers Mechanism
• Design of Telescopic Portable Lift for high-load commercial applications
• Design of Portable Coffee Roasting Machine
• Design of Automatic EV Charging Station
• Design of Sliding Gates with Non-linear Trajectory Path
• CFD Simulation of Skimmer

About Xccelerator

Launched in September 2023, Xccelerator bridges classroom learning with real-world application through project-based learning in advanced digital technologies.

Driven by Sona Star Innovation Pvt Ltd, the initiative demonstrates Sona Group’s commitment to:

• Industry-academia collaboration
• Innovation and applied research

• Developing globally competent, locally relevant engineers