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.
Accommodation and Meals: Registration for the techFEST’26 package is compulsory for accommodation and other perks, while participation in individual events is free*. We cordially invite you to RC Boat, 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 The Surface Boat Race is a competitive technical event designed to challenge participants in the fields of engineering design, robotics, and innovation. Teams are required to conceptualise, fabricate, and operate a manually controlled, battery-powered boat capable of navigating a water-based obstacle course. This competition evaluates both the technical performance and creative ingenuity of each team's design. Objective Design and build a wirelessly controlled surface boat, powered solely by an onboard battery, capable of: Navigating through a predefined aquatic arena Completing the course in the shortest time possible Demonstrating superior design, stability, and manoeuvrability Boat Specifications Must fit within a cuboid of 500 mm (L) × 200 mm (W) × 200 mm (H). Only onboard power sources are permitted; external power inputs are strictly prohibited. Must operate wirelessly; any wired control will result in disqualification. Ready-made kits (e.g., LEGO kits) or commercially available models are not allowed. Must include a clearly marked emergency stop mechanism. No part of the boat may detach or be left behind in the arena during operation. Boats must be free from corrosive, flammable, or hazardous substances. All related documentation and calculations should be submitted alongside the boat for evaluation. Arena Description The race will take place in a swimming pool with clearly demarcated lanes and obstacles. Each lane will be approximately 60 cm wide. Competition Format Two rounds will test different skill sets: control and precision in Round 1, and speed and efficiency in Round 2. Top-qualified teams must participate in both rounds.
Round 1: Navigate through a carefully designed obstacle course in the water arena, consisting of floating barriers, narrow passages, and fixed/variable-position obstacles.
Round 2: Complete a head-to-head or time-trial sprint in a straight or looped lane, with a clear water lane with minimal or no obstacles. 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 leads to immediate disqualification. Participants are responsible for their own equipment and personal belongings. Organisers reserve the right to modify any rule/PS at any time; updates are announced at the venue. Laptops, PCs, or wireless-enabled devices are prohibited in the arena vicinity. Any tampering with an opponent's boat or the arena will result in immediate disqualification.
Venue
Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal 148106, Sangrur, Punjab
Sangrur, India
Team size: 2–5 members. Eligibility Diploma and undergraduate students of any year and any branch from any recognised engineering college are eligible to participate. Cross-college teams are welcome. Why You Should Participate RC Boat 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 fro