EUROAVIA is a space where passion and innovation come together, shaping the perspectives and aspirations of its participants. This was especially true for Zaid Karjikar, Vaisakh Shan Rajan, and Danish Shaikh, space engineering students at the Technical University of Berlin, whose participation in the Rotorthon 2024 competition highlighted the power of curiosity and teamwork.
Rotorthon is a “Hackathon” style competition, organized by EUROAVIA and European Rotors. The live phase – which concerns us here – took place in parallel with the European Rotors Conference in Amsterdam with the teams competing on a challenge proposed by German Aerospace Center (DLR).
From Inspiration to Action
The trio’s journey began with Danish, who had previously participated in EUROAVIA’s Rocket Sloshing Workshop. Inspired by the experience and eager to explore UAVs and VTOL drones, Danish introduced the Rotorthon challenge to his classmates Zaid and Shan. Together, they formed “SkyHawk Squadron” and they decided to take part in this unique competition, driven by a shared desire to learn and grow.
“Our curiosity and passion for UAVs were what motivated us” Danish shared. “It was an exciting opportunity to dive into something entirely new.”
Overcoming Challenges
Coming from a space engineering background, the team faced a steep learning curve. The problem required expertise in offshore windmill applications, a field far from their studies.
“We started from scratch, learning everything through research and teamwork”
Their efforts combined in a comprehensive solution that addressed the challenge while remaining adaptable to various regulations. Along the way, they gained insights not only into engineering but also into the business aspects of aerospace technology.
“It was a fantastic experience because we didn’t just focus on technical skills. We also learned how to pitch ideas and make them relevant to real-world applications” Zaid added.
Highlights of the Competition
For the team, the competition was more than just a technical challenge—it was a chance to connect with industry leaders and fellow participants. Experts from organizations like DLR and Airbus offered invaluable feedback, while interactions with other teams fostered a sense of community.
“The most memorable part wasn’t the trophy but the connections we made” Danish noted. “Talking to industry leaders and hearing their perspectives was an incredible learning experience.”
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on their journey, the trio emphasized the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. “Participating in events like Rotorthon is about much more than winning” Zaid shared. “It’s about gaining experience, building networks, and growing as a team.”
Their advice to future participants? “Stay curious, embrace the challenge, and don’t focus too much on the outcome. The journey itself is the most rewarding part” Shan encouraged.
Looking Forward
The team expressed their gratitude to EUROAVIA for creating a platform that cultivates innovation and collaboration. They hope their story will inspire other students to take part in future events, emphasizing how these experiences can shape one’s academic and professional journey.
Danish concluded: “We recommend every student to participate and make the most of this incredible community!”
As the conversation ended, their message was clear: curiosity, teamwork, and an open mind are the keys to success—and EUROAVIA is the perfect place to develop them!
