Students from the Division of Geoinformatics, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru, participated in GIS CONNECT-2025, an annual national-level geospatial innovation event organized by Burns & McDonnell India. The program was held at Godrej IT Park, Vikhroli West, Mumbai, on 18 November 2025, bringing together emerging GIS talent from across the country to showcase innovative geospatial solutions and technical competence. The student team “Urban Beats”, comprising Ms. Pooja B. Kuri, Mr. Uday Belagatti, Mr. Prosenjit Dalui, and Ms. Deepthi B, represented the Division of Geoinformatics and secured the Third Place in the National GIS Student Competition. The team presented a project titled “Urban Green Space Optimization”, which demonstrated advanced spatial analysis, suitability modelling, and GIS-based decision support methodologies. Their presentation included comprehensive thematic maps, analytical outputs, and insights reflecting strong problem-solving skills and technical proficiency. Participation in GIS CONNECT-2025 provided the students with significant exposure to real-world geospatial applications and facilitated interaction with experts, industry leaders, and peers from various institutions across India. The event served as a valuable platform for students to engage in discussions on innovation, sustainability, and emerging trends in GIS, further strengthening their academic and professional perspectives. The Division of Geoinformatics acknowledges the consistent guidance and mentorship provided by Dr. Sushant Sawant Anil, Associate Professor & Coordinator, and Mr. Mahesh D. B., Faculty of Geoinformatics, which contributed to the successful performance of the student team. Appreciation is also extended to the panel members, including Ms. Tapsi Puri, PMP®, and Mr. Govind Gadiyar, for their thoughtful evaluation and constructive feedback that enhanced the students’ learning experience. The achievement of Team Urban Beats at GIS CONNECT-2025 stands as an important milestone for the Division, reflecting the quality of geospatial education and the academic excellence nurtured at JSS AHER. Their performance highlights the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation, research capability, and industry-oriented GIS skills among its students. Overall, the participation in GIS CONNECT-2025 has been academically enriching and motivational for the students, inspiring further pursuit of excellence in GIS, spatial analytics, and sustainable development research.