By Peter Omopo
A team of Computer Science students from Caleb University has clinched the top prize at the Bells University of Technology Hackathon Competition with their innovative AI-powered application, Valor, designed to detect the ripeness of mangoes.
The winning software, which leverages computer vision and deep learning, was hailed for its precision in classifying mangoes as ripe or spoiled, addressing a long-standing challenge in agricultural produce assessment. Dubbed the “Smart, Bold, Brainy, Savvy, Mango Master,” Valor was developed to reduce food waste and improve efficiency in the fruit supply chain.
In a statement released Thursday, the team explained that their technology helps farmers, suppliers, and consumers make informed decisions by providing accurate, real-time assessments of fruit quality — a task traditionally done through unreliable visual inspection.
The winning team includes Harmony Abayomi, a final-year Software and Computer Vision Engineer; Nwachukwu Chibuzor, a 400-level Data and AI Engineer; and Efod Freda, a 400-level Data Analyst.
“Overripe fruits lead to wastage and economic loss, while underripe ones disappoint consumers. Our AI solution offers consistency and reliability in detecting ripeness levels,” the team stated.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Caleb University, highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in solving practical problems in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
