Sysco LABS Fosters the Next Generation of Future-Ready Sri Lankan Tech Talent

‘Project Summit’ Program’s first batch of budding engineers completes their training

Sysco LABS Sri Lanka’s ‘Project Summit’ program recently celebrated the completion of training of its first batch of engineers. ‘Project Summit’ was launched in May this year to inspire and develop a new generation of future-ready engineers who can excel in the world of innovation and emerging tech. Batch 1 comprised undergraduates and graduates who were all mentored by senior talent at Sysco LABS to increase their technical knowledge and explore new technologies.

The 6-month program acts as a platform that facilitates accelerated growth for recruits straight from university, enabling them to execute new tech concepts classified under ‘4th industrial revolution tech’ (4IR). During the training, participants received exposure and mentorship on 4IR concepts such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Virtual Reality and the Internet of Things. They were also familiarized with business domain knowledge, project management, best industry practices and processes to develop the right skills.

During their training, participants focused on 4IR technologies, including AI, augmented reality and blockchain, that could transform the food services sector. Some unique solutions included AI-based warehouse waste management solutions, food freshness analyzers, demand forecasting systems, chatbots, blockchain-based loyalty reward systems and interactive browsing on E-commerce platforms using augmented reality. To complete the program, participants had to not just submit new concepts, but instead, they had to work with different technologies to create minimum viable products of their ideas – leading them to explore both the theoretical and practical application aspects of their proposed solutions.

Commenting on Project Summit, Nishantha Hettiarachchi, Director – Enterprise and Architecture at Sysco LABS, said: “Project Summit fosters a new generation of engineers ready to meet the demands of a tech-driven world. It is built to showcase Sri Lanka’s ingenuity and how prepared we are as a nation to disrupt the future. Project Summit was designed to be a launch pad for fresh graduates to execute the new technologies they studied about in universities, in a real-world, working environment”. 

“The brilliant young minds in the first batch have made great progress and we look forward to continuing this initiative to fast-track young engineers by equipping them with the skills and experience required to excel in the tech industry. While helping to encourage a culture of learning, innovation and progress within the company, I also believe that by completing this program, our new associates are ready to deliver on our organization’s purpose of connecting the world to share food and care for another.”