A team of computer science students from Caleb University has emerged champion at the Bells University of Technology Hackathon Competition, showcasing their newly developed software, Valor — an AI-powered application designed to detect the ripeness of mangoes using advanced machine learning and image processing technology.

Described as “the Smart, Bold, Brainy, Savvy, Mango Master,” Valor impressed judges with its ability to classify mango ripeness with high precision.

According to a statement on Thursday, the app, built on computer vision and deep learning models, addresses challenges in the agricultural sector by helping farmers, suppliers, and consumers determine when mangoes are ripe or spoiled — a problem that often results in food waste and lost value.

The victorious team comprised a final-year Software and Computer Vision Engineer, Harmony Abayomi; a 400-level Data and AI Engineer, Nwachukwu Chibuzor, and, a 400-level Data Analyst, Efod Freda.

The students said their motivation stemmed from the need to reduce wastage and improve accuracy in fruit quality assessment.

“Detecting ripeness and spoilage in mangoes remains a significant challenge. Overripe fruits lead to wastage and loss of value, while underripe ones fail to meet the expectations of consumers. Traditional methods like visual inspection are subjective and often unreliable,” the team said.

The Acting Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof Sunday Adewale, hosted the winning team and praised their achievement.

“Caleb University has become a colossal hub for innovation and academic excellence,” he said. “The success of Valor is a testament to our commitment to nurturing innovation, academic excellence, and real-world problem-solving.”

Adewale added that the university’s environment promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, providing students with the necessary tools to excel in today’s tech-driven world.

Head of the Computer Science Department, Dr. Adeniyi Akanni, and Team Coordinator, Mr. Ajala, in a joint statement, described the app as a “sophisticated web and mobile application that leverages advanced machine learning and AI algorithms to analyse images and data.”

They noted that the project marks a significant intersection of technology and agriculture, highlighting how innovations from Caleb University are contributing to global efforts to improve food quality and reduce waste.