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. Registration for the techFEST’26 package is compulsory for accommodation and other perks, while participation in individual events is free*. www.techfest26.com 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.
Venue
Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal 148106, Sangrur, Punjab
Sangrur, India
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