In May 2025, the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) welcomed some of the brightest young minds from across the globe to present their groundbreaking projects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Among the esteemed panel of Grand Award Judges was Mr. Debasis, an internationally respected enterprise architect, digital transformation strategist, and technology leader with over 19 years of experience in IT innovation. He served as a Grand Award Judge in the Systems Software category, where his deep technical expertise and commitment to empowering future talent made a lasting impression on students, educators, and fellow professionals.
As a judge, Mr. Panda brought a wealth of experience in enterprise software architecture, cloud computing, and SAP ERP solutions. In his current role at PayPal Inc., he leads architecture initiatives in finance and treasury systems, overseeing secure, scalable platforms that process millions of financial transactions every day. His track record includes building robust systems using Python, SQL, GCP-BQ, and AWS, as well as implementing hybrid cloud environments and automation tools to improve performance and reduce costs. This rich background uniquely positioned him to evaluate student projects focused on system software development, cybersecurity, and automation.
During the judging process, Mr. Panda applied a keen eye for software design principles, scalability, and real-world application. He assessed how students approached system-level programming challenges such as memory management, process synchronization, and distributed computing. He was particularly impressed by the level of sophistication many participants demonstrated in areas like AI-driven system tools, custom operating system modules, and performance optimization techniques. His insightful feedback not only recognized technical achievement but also encouraged participants to consider broader industry needs such as usability, maintainability, and ethical programming practices.
Beyond the technical evaluation, Mr. Panda delivered a short yet powerful address to the Systems Software finalists, urging them to stay curious, persistent, and principled in their innovation journey. He shared stories from his own career—how he evolved from a passionate learner to leading digital transformation for Fortune 100 companies and federal government sectors. His message emphasized that great software doesn’t just solve problems; it shapes lives, drives businesses, and supports communities. He reminded students that their work today could influence the next generation of financial systems, healthcare platforms, smart cities, or even environmental sustainability tools.
Mr. Panda’s role at ISEF 2025 extended far beyond technical judging. He served as a mentor, motivator, and role model, highlighting the importance of continuous learning, cross-functional collaboration, and responsible innovation. He personally took time to engage with several student teams, offering guidance on how to scale their prototypes, consider data security, and architect software solutions that could thrive in real-world deployments.
His participation as a Grand Award Judge reinforces his ongoing commitment to STEM education and youth empowerment. With his deep involvement in mentoring, innovation strategy, and architectural excellence, Debasis Panda continues to be a bridge between industry expertise and the next generation of problem solvers. His presence at ISEF 2025 served as a testament to his belief that technology, when guided with purpose and vision, has the power to transform the world—and that transformation begins with young innovators ready to take the lead.
