A forward-thinking group of students from the Illinois Institute of Technology, including several of Indian origin, is making global waves with their groundbreaking surveillance startup, VigilAI. This innovative platform uses artificial intelligence to transform passive CCTV systems into proactive crime detection tools. Their tech venture is currently in the spotlight as they advance through the prestigious Hult Prize competition, aiming for the coveted $1 million grand prize.
VigilAI stands out as an AI-based solution that processes multiple CCTV feeds in real time to identify criminal activity, detect unusual behavior, and assess threats. Unlike traditional surveillance systems, it emphasizes intelligent pattern recognition, reducing false alarms and enabling immediate response through alerts supported by historical context. With processing done in the cloud and advanced real-time analytics, VigilAI offers security insights with depth and precision. Two patents are already in the works for this cutting-edge technology.
The team behind VigilAI includes a dynamic mix of talents: Utkarsh Nanda and Utsav Pathak, both in their second year of MS in Computer Science, lead the team as CEO and COO respectively. They’re joined by fellow Indian-origin contributors Nijgururaj Ashtagi, Varn Tejas, and Gaurav Mourya, alongside Brittany Shepherd. Their journey started with a $15,000 win at the Grainger Computing Innovation Prize, giving them the momentum to compete nationally in Boston with hopes of reaching the global finals in London.
The students credit their success to Illinois Tech’s rigorous academic programs, where they honed their skills in artificial intelligence, algorithms, and data processing. They also benefited from the Kaplan Institute’s Startup Accelerator, which provided essential mentorship and resources to shape their business model and pitch strategy.
Now preparing for the next stage of the Hult Prize, the VigilAI team is focused on expanding their vision. They aim to collaborate with innovators across borders and gain insights from leading mentors. For them, winning is not just about the money—it’s about gaining the reach and credibility needed to revolutionize public safety through smart surveillance on a global scale.
