Sky Maneuver

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 Sky Maneuver, 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 manually pilot a quadcopter through a series of challenges that test speed, accuracy and control. Participants must navigate an obstacle course, execute a precision drop and demonstrate stable hovering – all without the use of GPS or autonomous flight systems. Task Description Participants will compete in three sequential tasks: Obstacle

Navigation (Speed Test): Fly the drone through a predefined obstacle course consisting of gates, hoops and cones as quickly as possible.

Precision Payload Drop: Deliver a small payload (e.g., ping-pong ball) into a target zone from the air. Points are awarded based on proximity to the centre. Hover & Hold

Challenge (Bonus): Maintain a stable hover inside a marked circle for 10 seconds. This tests manual precision and drone stability. Constraints All drones must be operated manually. The use of GPS, autonomous navigation or mission planners is strictly prohibited. Propeller guards are mandatory. The payload must be non-hazardous and lightweight (provided by the organisers). All batteries must be LiPo-safe and properly enclosed.

Parameter Specification Frame Size: 200–400 mm, with 4 rotors and 4 arms only

Weight Limit: ≤ 2.5 kg (including battery)

Power Source

Battery-powered only Camera: Optional (only for FPV viewing) Evaluation Criteria Obstacle

Navigation Time: 30% Target Drop Accuracy /

Hover Stability: 30% Safety

Protocol & Readiness: 20% Design

Creativity (Bonus): 10% 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.

Team size: 1–4 members (one pilot, one spotter). Failsafe must be configured; flyaways will be grounded immediately. Judges may ground any drone flying recklessly over the audience. 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 Sky Maneuver 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 d