GSW computing student earns third place in global Copilot Hackathon, with AI-powered Study-Buddy app

AMERICUS, Ga. (Apr. 9, 2025) – Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) senior Dhrumil Patel, a computer science major from Americus, recently earned third place in the global “Accelerate App Development with GitHub Copilot” Hackathon. This prestigious competition, judged by industry leaders at Microsoft, showcased the use of AI-powered coding and Azure-based innovations.

Patel’s award-winning project, Study-Buddy, is a voice-activated AI mentor designed to revolutionize the learning experience for students aged 5 to 20. By integrating GitHub Copilot with Microsoft Azure services, the project showcases cutting-edge AI capabilities in education with features such as:

• Conversational AI via voice/text using Azure Speech Services
• Personalized quiz generation with real-time feedback
• Multi-language support for global accessibility
• Animated avatars and interactive tools for an engaging experience

The Hackathon attracted over 2,300 participants, making Patel’s top-three finish a remarkable achievement. His winnings include $1,500, exclusive 1-on-1 mentorship sessions with Cloud Advocates, and a feature in GitHub’s social promotions.

This success further solidifies GSW’s Department of Computing as a leader in preparing students for careers in software development, AI and cloud computing. As a GitHub Campus Program Partner, GSW provides students with hands-on experience using industry-standard tools. These resources, combined with ABET-accredited coursework, ensure students graduate with the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive tech industry.

For more information about GSW’s Computer Science and IT programs, visit gsw.edu/IT or contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@gsw.edu.