Open Hardware

Registration for accommodation has started. See the Accommodation section under the rules tab.

"If I create from heart, nearly everything works; if from head, almost nothing."

What follows when a storming innovative idea strikes you? It haunts you, your grey cells start contriving designs for it.

1. Problem Statement

Open Hardware propels you a step ahead. It incites you to nourish your ideas. It is one of the premier and challenging competition at Techfest and the ultimate platform for your radical and unconventional hardware developments to bring forth. You can bring for display any device, gadget or model that has been conceptualized, designed and developed by you. Emphasis is placed upon innovation, besides aspects like creativity, marketability and technical superiority.

Prizes worth INR 12,000 to be won.

View the Competition Details »

Registration for Open Hardware has started. Click here to register.

To view the discussions on this competition, Click here

For further queries contact:

Anish Garg

Manager, Techtronics
Techfest 2009
+91 98337 89055
anishgarg[at]techfest[dot]org

Shobhit Gupta

Manager, Techtronics
Techfest 2009
+91 98336 45180
shobhit[at]techfest[dot]org

2.1 Judging Criteria

Innovation
Cort Effectiveness
Marketability
Manufacturablity
Technical Superiority

2.2 Abstract Format

Explain briefly the idea of your project.
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Explain briefly how your project works? Please mention all the technicalities and functional analysis of the machine. (Diagrams, flowcharts etc. will be appreciated.)
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Highlight specifically the problem for which the project is worked out as a solution and your original contribution towards the solution of the problem.
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Comment upon the marketability of the project and its commercial applications.
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If your project is meant for some social or environmental cause, then mention its significance (optional).
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Any other aspect of the project worth a mention (optional).
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2.3 Abstract Submission

Participants should mail their abstracts with the registration number as the subject and preferably in '.doc' format.
The abstract should be concise and to the point and should not exceed three A4 sheets of text typed with Times New Roman font of size 12 excluding the first sheet containing the title.
The first sheet should only contain title of the project, team registration number, names of the team members and their respective institutes.
The abstract may be supported by a maximum of five descriptive figures/graphs. Photographs are particularly welcome. Diagrams should be on additional sheets, which should not exceed five in number (photographic and graphic representation of the project is encouraged).
The information in the abstract should be very descriptive and not vague. It is recommended that vital aspects of the project that require special focus be mentioned as points.

View the Rules »

3.1 General Rules

For screening purposes, a pre-event abstract, in a standard format, has to be submitted. It is very important that abstract should be mailed to openhardware[at]techfest[dot]org with the subject 'Open Hardware abstract Reg. No._____'. Do not forget to mention the registration number.
The last date for submission of abstracts is 20th December, 2008 and any registered entry that fails to submit an abstract by this date will be disqualified from the event.
Short listed teams will be informed by mail before 5th January, 2009. A list of short listed teams will also be displayed on the Techfest website.
Only the participants who qualify in the screening round based on judging of the abstracts shall be invited to IIT Bombay for the finals.
Qualifying participants will have to make a presentation before a panel of judges explaining the salient points of their Hardware.
On a single chart paper, the team should explain their hardware with figures, diagrams and relevant material. A detailed report of the hardware in support of the design and highlighting the important aspects should also be brought.
Teams will be given only one hour prior to the competition to set up their machine at the venue for judging.
Participants should submit their hardware, software and other requirements (if required) needed at the time of competition along with the abstract for the screening round.
Selected entries may be displayed in an exhibition at Techfest 2009.
Kindly mention if there are any Intellectual Property Rights issues related to your project.
The organizers reserve all rights to change any or all of the above rules as they deem fit. All changes will be highlighted on the website and registered participants shall be informed by email.
The decision of the judges and the organizers will be final and binding.

Note: This is not a paper presentation competition; therefore, the participants need to back their abstracts with some prototype/hardware during the finals of the competition.

3.2 Resources

Techfest would provide computers if and only if required. Participants are required to bring stuff like adapters, batteries, extension cords etc by themselves. Also, they must carry their CPU with the required software installed for design demonstrations (if required) as compatibility problems may arise at the last moment. Other necessary things like monitor, keyboard, mouse etc would be provided. All the participants should communicate these requirements along with the abstracts for the screening round.

3.3 Team Specification

A team should consist of maximum of 2 members. Students from different educational institutes can form a team.

3.4 Eligibility

All students with a valid identity card of their respective educational institutes are eligible to participate in Open Hardware Contest at Techfest 2009.

3.5 Certificate Policy

Certificate of Excellence will be given to all winners.
Certificates of Participation will be given to all teams that are selected after the abstract submission and are present during Techfest 2009.

3.6 Registration