Next Tech Lab, Hackathons, Startup Dreams: Gnanesh’s Developer Journey│DevStories
With each new edition of DevStories, Lumos Labs intends to inspire up-and-coming Web3 developers. For this week’s story, we have Divi Gnanesh, a student of Computer Science Engineering at SRM University, AP.
He is super interested in development and networking, and solving complex problems. His curiosity about Blockchain tech made him indulge in various clubs at his university and enabled him to take part in hackathons and build developer clubs across the region.
Read ahead to learn more about Gnanesh, his interests, his achievements, and how doesn’t give up. We hope that his story inspires you in your Web3 journey.
How did you discover blockchain technology?
A teammate of mine used to send me articles, blogs, and whitepapers related to blockchain. My curiosity and number of questions about blockchain increased with an increase in my understanding of the technology. I also started networking with the developers existing in the ecosystem and making myself active in blockchain-based events which in turn led me to hackathons and everything else that made me the Web3 dev I am today.
Blockchain tech was something that everyone was exploring and after my very first encounter with it, I saw so much potential in it. The flow of monetary elements, different chains, tokens, and NFTs piqued my curiosity.
Any interesting college clubs that you are/were a part of?
I have been a part of a lab known as NTL (Next Tech Lab), an allocated space where only the members of this lab are permitted, and it’s open 24/7. I can define this place as my residence at the university. I spend more than half of the day in this place. It has more than a hand full of memories that I can cherish for life long.
The Lab focuses on freedom in learning where people from multiple disciplines, work on their interests and build their career. I was a co-organizer for Flutter Amaravati which is a region-based developer club, actively organizing invents and helping with issues, and discussions in the Flutter ecosystem.
What was your first-ever Web3 hackathon experience like?
My first Web3 hackathon was the Streamr Data Challenge which was a virtual hackathon organized by Lumos Labs. My team consisted of 4 people at the entry level in the blockchain Space. We managed to build based on an idea that is for the greater good of the environment. It works by a user planting a sapling and nurturing it for a stipulated period by providing us with the data which in turn gift him vouchers on his birthday. Here we analyze and mine the data extracted across different locations and monetization happens by providing data points to researchers and Agro-based firms. This hackathon was one of the Kickstarter of our web3 career.
My first Offline WEB3 Hackathon was Unfold 2022. The best part was I was able to network with a lot of people and we received suggestions that can be added to the project we delivered. This networking helped us tune the project better. We built a game like ClashRoyal where the elements in the game function on the blockchain assets. Cards were NFT and the elixir was the bid you place for the game. This Game was developed on the NEAR network and we managed to present well which made us win the Near Protocal Track price and Covalent Pool Price.
What was the project that won your team a place in the Buidl for Web3?
I attended the “Buidl for Web3” in Bangalore as a solo developer and wanted to explore the projects and network with people.
Built a product named De-Click, It is a Whatsapp plugin that acts as a layer between the layman and the Web3 universe. This plugin incorporates the functionalities of a wallet and the feature of minting Dynamic and static NFTs.As a wallet, it does Interchain and intra-chain Transactions. All these features are done with less than 5 messages and also creates notification when tokens are transacted into your wallet.
De-click was majorly functional on the Polygon chain as the Chain fee is competitive and utilized Node architecture provided by Tatum. The idea brought us 2 track prices which are “Tatum best hack” and 1st place in the “polygon track”.
Where are you currently working? How did it happen to you?
I am working as an SDET intern at Cashfree Payments which falls under PG/PAs. My role presently is helping me understand the payment flow and other payments-based products in the Web2 domain. This experience in the payment industry is helping me build similar and enhanced products in the Web3 domain.
I am working on my project related to the easy and reliable integration of cryptocurrencies into the existing financial system. Where we act as a medium for fiat and token transfers. My interest in the financial sector contributed to joining this role.
Tell us about the projects you are looking forward to working on next.
I am working on a project related to the easy and reliable integration of cryptocurrencies into the existing financial system. Where we act as a medium for fiat and token transfers. This integration will include the user can pay in any currency and the merchant will receive the preferred currency.
How did you balance building your Web3 knowledge and pursuing your education?
Tech skills and education are one of the most important things in the career of a computer science student but managing both at the same time is as difficult as “Killing two birds with one stone”. I used to spend most of my time exploring tech but during my examinations, my only focus was that. One of my seniors helped me with a trick for time boxing and this hack helped me survive handling both things at the same time.
What is your most amazing Web3 story?
Every Web3 hackathon was a great experience as I get to network with people and view unique projects. Out of all the projects I have worked on the ideas which were built during the hackathon from zero to the prototype stage top the list. My best Web3 hackathon experience was Streamr where I and my team were new to Web3, we faced a lot of challenges but we managed to build the product by the deadline. This situation thought handling resources, planning and effectively executing them, and On top of all having fun together.
Challenges you most often face at hackathons and in Web3 in general and how you overcame them.
The biggest challenge me and my team face is selecting the idea, as we believe in building from zero is fun and not leaving back the uniqueness of the Idea. We as a team always focused on building and simplifying existing solutions which can help any user onboard to the technology or product quickly. identifying the right use case and implementing the solution in the provided time was the most challenging.
What are your other interests?
My Other Interests include web2 development and designing the system architecture for applications. My Focus other than development is more on understanding business models, Marketing, and photography. I love going out for treks and drives which help me meet new people and get a break from my daily routine.
What is your dream job? Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
My dream is to be a part of a startup and actively indulge in startup activities which include development, sales, business, and decision-making. I love understanding user behaviour, analyzing, and making moves to handle challenges. Involvement in attending and being a part of multiple developer-based events.
Gnanesh’s strong technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, empathy, and strategic thinking have made him a remarkable Web3 Dev. We hope his story inspires all the young Web3 devs out there.
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