IIT Bombay is gearing up for its renowned three-day science and technology festival, Techfest, commencing on Wednesday. This year’s festival introduces the Energy Literacy Training initiative in collaboration with the Energy Swaraj Foundation, founded by IIT Bombay Professor Dr Chetan Solanki. The initiative aims to raise awareness about energy’s environmental impact and promote informed decisions for a sustainable future. Participants completing the 12-module course will receive a certificate from the foundation.
Dr. Solanki, popularly known as Solar Man of India or Solar Gandhi, highlighted the importance of this initiative during his recent campus visit. Shriya Kajrolkar, Media and Marketing Head for Techfest 2023, announced a new addition—an education fair featuring international universities like the University of Sydney, University of Otago, National Taiwan University, National University of Singapore, and the British Council.
“This education fair is a response to the substantial audience we attract during Techfest, providing valuable information on global higher education opportunities,” explained Kajrolkar. The festival will also feature thrilling events such as international robowars and drone racing competitions. Notably, international participation has significantly increased, with 30 pilots in the international drone racing league and four international teams in the robowars competition from Nepal, Russia, South Korea, and Brazil.
The lecture series boasts an impressive lineup, including speakers like S Somnath (Chairman, ISRO), Harshbir Sangha (UK Space Agency), and Akash Ambani (Chairman, Reliance Jio). Additionally, Techfest will introduce a lecture series on strategy, leadership, and the future of defense in India, featuring notable speakers such as Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, former chairman of DRDO, and former chiefs of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
Techfest organizers anticipate a significant turnout, with over 1.75 lakh participants from more than 2,500 higher education institutions across India and international universities.