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

Mr. Thyagu Valliappa, Vice Chairman of the Sona Group of Institutions, recently visited Japan to build stronger industry collaborations. The visit focused on creating new partnerships with leading Japanese companies and institutions, aimed at fostering innovation, research collaborations, internships, and knowledge exchange for students and faculty.

This global outreach reflects the Sona Group’s commitment to equipping students with international exposure and ensuring they are future-ready in a competitive global landscape.

By bringing the best of Japanese technology, expertise, and industry practices to India, Mr. Thyagu Valliappa continues to drive the vision of transforming education through global industry connect.

Sona Star Innovations (Sona Valliappa Group) is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) – an initiative of the IT & BT Department, Government of Karnataka. Through this strategic collaboration, our shared mission is to empower 3,000 students from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across Karnataka by 2027, equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the fast-growing digital economy. Our Commitment to Students

• Technical Skills Training – Comprehensive programs designed to build industry-relevant expertise
• Soft Skills Development – Enhancing communication, teamwork, and professional readiness
• Corporate Placement Assistance – Direct support for career opportunities with leading companies
• Bridging the Digital Divide – Ensuring equitable access to digital careers in emerging cities

This partnership reaffirms Sona Star Innovations’ vision of creating opportunities where talent meets technology, and aligns with KDEM’s mission to drive inclusive digital growth across Karnataka. Together, we are building a future-ready workforce and shaping the next generation of innovators, technologists, and leaders.