Hovermania

Overview

TechFEST'26 is North India's premier technical festival, organised by Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (SLIET), Longowal, Punjab. This is a paid opportunity with the early-bird packages mentioned below.

Select Your Registration Package

• Rs 299 Package (early bird, without accommodation)
• Participation in all technical and non-technical events of techFEST'26
• Participation certificate
• Rs 599 Package (early bird, with accommodation)
• Everything included in the Rs 299 package
• Hostel accommodation on campus (meal charges applicable as per institute norms)
• Registration is mandatory for participation. Fee once paid is non-refundable.

We cordially invite you to Hovermania, organised as part of techFEST'26 – Annual Technical Festival of SLIET. Showcase your talent, compete with the sharpest minds and earn your moment of glory.

About the Event

Objective

Design and build a remote-controlled hovercraft that floats through the given trackway without being swayed too much.

Details

The bot must be capable of:

• Being remotely controlled and driven across the given track
• Navigating intersections, turns and zig-zags with stability

Arena Path

The arena path may include, but is not limited to:

• Right-angle turns
• T-junctions
• Acute curves
• Gaps in lines
• Different terrains

Robot Specifications

• Maximum size: 400 × 400 × 400 mm, with no weight limit
• Remote-controlled via wireless connections
• Only an onboard power supply is allowed (LiPo, Li-ion or NiMH). Charging or making any changes to the bot during the event is forbidden.

Arena

- 10–20 m long pathway with ample turns

Rules – Round 1

• The contestant must run the craft over the given path and can place it back at the nearest checkpoint if it leaves the track.
• A maximum of 3 checkpoints can be used in Round 1.
• The total time, along with checkpoint deductions, will decide the final result.

Rules – Round 2 (Optional)

• This is a one-shot round. All contestants get a single attempt on the track; the farthest distance the craft floats without tipping over will be the recorded distance.
• In case of multiple completions of the track, the fastest time will be scored accordingly.

Scoring and Judging Criteria

Scoring Criteria

• Course Completion (R-1): Time recorded
• Checkpoint Used (R-1): +8 seconds per checkpoint
• Distance Covered (R-2): Distance recorded
• If Completed (R-2): Minimum time wins

Judging Criteria

• Completion Time (R-1): 80%
• Track Following Accuracy (R-1): 20%
• Design (R-2): 20%
• Track Covered (R-2): 80%

Rules and Regulations – General Rules

• All participants must carry a valid college ID card and their techFEST'26 registration receipt.
• Reporting time will be communicated to registered teams; late reporting may lead to a walkover.
• The decision of the judges and organisers will be final and binding in all matters.
• Any form of misconduct, plagiarism or use of unfair means will lead to immediate disqualification.
• Participants are responsible for their own equipment and personal belongings.
• Organisers reserve the right to modify any rule/specification at any time; updates will be announced at the venue.
• A single driver/participant cannot participate in two different events.
• Team size: 1–3 members.
• Remote control must operate on 2.4 GHz; frequency conflicts will be resolved by the organisers.

Eligibility

• Open to students of all institutes and all degree programmes (unless specified otherwise in the event rules above).
• Participants must be registered for techFEST'26 through the official portal.
• Cross-college teams are welcome.

Why You Should Participate

Hovermania is more than a competition – it is a platform to test your skills against the brightest minds from institutes across the region, learn from judges and mentors, and build memories that last far beyond the festival. Winners take home cash prizes, trophies and certificates that strengthen their resumes, while every participant leaves with experience, exposure and connections. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or a first-timer, the arena at techFEST'26 welcomes you.

About the Festival – techFEST'26 at SLIET

techFEST'26 is the annual technical festival of Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (SLIET), Longowal, Punjab – a deemed-to-be university under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Established in 1989, accredited with Grade A by NAAC, SLIET spreads across a lush 451-acre campus with 11 departments and more than 5,000 students. With a legacy of over 28 years, techFEST'26 – themed 'Technology and Sciences for Sustainable Earth' – features 50+ events across 11 clubs and a total prize pool of Rs 5,00,000+, along with workshops, exhibitions, guest lectures and a grand cultural evening.

Festival Highlights at techFEST'26

• 50+ technical, non-technical and cultural events across 11 clubs
• Total prize pool worth Rs 5,00,000+
• Grand cultural evening and pro-shows
• Hands-on workshops, exhibitions and expert guest lectures
• Early-bird registration packages for participants from all institutes

Accommodation and Meals

Participants opting for the Rs 599 package receive hostel accommodation on campus for the duration of the festival. Accommodation is allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, and meal charges are applicable as per institute norms (approximately Rs 50 per diet). All participants must carry their registration receipts and a valid college ID card at all times while on campus.

Code of Conduct

• Maintain discipline and decorum across the campus and all event venues.
• Indiscipline or misbehaviour with volunteers, organisers or fellow participants will lead to disqualification.
• Consumption of alcohol, tobacco or any intoxicants is strictly prohibited on campus.
• Participants must not damage institute property; recovery costs may be charged.
• Organisers reserve the right to remove any participant violating the code of conduct.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

The registration fee, once paid, is non-refundable under any circumstances. In case an event is cancelled by the organisers, registered participants will be accommodated in an alternative event where feasible.

How to Prepare

Read the event rules above carefully and prepare accordingly. Carry your own stationery, chargers and any personal equipment mentioned in the rules. Reach the venue at least 30 minutes before your reporting time, and follow the official techFEST'26 social media handles for last-minute updates and announcements.

How to Reach SLIET

Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology is located at Longowal, District Sangrur, Punjab – well connected by road and rail. The nearest railway stations are Dhuri and Sangrur; the institute is a short taxi/bus ride from either. Ample parking and signboards guide visitors to the festival venues inside the campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Students of any institute and any degree programme can participate.
• The Rs 599 package provides on-campus hostel accommodation during the festival.
• Cross-college teams are welcome in team events.
• Every registered participant receives a participation certificate; winners receive trophies, cash prizes and certificates of merit.
• If an event's timing clashes with another registered event, participants should inform the event organisers at the help desk; schedules are adjusted wherever possible.
• For queries, participants can reach out to the overall coordinators or write to techfest@sliet.ac.in.
• Participants need to bring their own equipment only where the event rules specify; everything else is provided by the organisers.
• Participants can take part in multiple events during the festival, subject to event schedules. A single techFEST'26 registration covers participation across all events.

Indicative Event Day Schedule

• Reporting and verification: 30–45 minutes before the scheduled start
• Participants' briefing and rules walkthrough by the event head
• Competition rounds as described above, with short breaks between rounds
• Results announcement and prize distribution at the venue, shortly after judging

Exact timings for each event are shared with registered participants over email/SMS and at the help desk. Keep an eye on the official social media handles for the final schedule.

Awards and Recognition

Winners and runners-up receive trophies and cash prizes as per the prize details above, along with certificates of merit. All participants receive e-certificates of participation. Outstanding performers may also get the opportunity to be featured on the official techFEST'26 social media handles and be considered for future flagship events at SLIET.

Safety and Fair Play Policy

techFEST'26 is committed to a safe, inclusive and fair competition environment. Every event is supervised by faculty coordinators and trained student volunteers. First-aid support is available on campus throughout the festival. Any participant found violating safety instructions, tampering with equipment or engaging in unfair practices will be disqualified and escorted out of the venue. Report any concern to the event head or the help desk immediately – your safety comes first.

Terms and Conditions

• Participation in techFEST'26 events implies acceptance of all the rules mentioned above.
• The organisers hold the right to use photographs and videos of the event for promotional purposes.
• Prize money is distributed after the completion of the festival, post verification of winners.
• In case of any dispute, the decision of the festival convenor shall be final and binding.
• All disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of courts at Sangrur, Punjab.

Prepare yourself for a journey of technology, creativity and celebration.

Mark your calendars and be part of the magic of techFEST'26 at SLIET!