IIT’s Techfest opens gates to schoolkids

Children may be well-versed with the latest gadgets on the market these days.

But do they know the story behind their favourite inventions? Aspiring engineers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) want to share their passion with a younger audience by introducing them to a varied range of technologies at their annual science and technology festival — Techfest.

Ronnie Philip, an IIT-B student and media manager for Techfest, said, “I remember how curious I was in school. School kids are really enthusiastic about things like robotics and computer gaming. Besides understanding the technicalities, they will be excited to see dancing robots, play laser tag and try their hand at other technology-based games.”

Since its inception in 1998, Techfest has grown to become the largest festival of its kind in Asia. During the three days of the festival held at the institute’s vast Powai campus, technologies from across the world are showcased. This time, Techfest will be held from January 6 to January 8, 2012.

The organising committee is already in discussion with authorities from Hiranandani Foundation School, Kendriya Vidyalaya School and Atomic Energy School, inviting their students for the festival.

“We are asking principals to send official contingents whom we will be giving special entry between 9am and 11am. We expect that these three days of Techfest prove inspiring for schoolchildren and they begin taking interest in scientific activities.”

The Techfest exhibition area is likely to be the highlight for visitors, since it will display some of the best robots from across the world, including those which can dance and respond to stimuli. In the lecture series, eminent personalities from the world of technology will be invited to speak, giving students the unique opportunity to learn about their favourite gadgets from the people who invented them. Some prominent speakers who have spoken at Techfest in the past include K Brandenburg, co-inventor of the MP3 and Hakon Wium Lie,  a leading CSS developer and chief technology officer of Opera Software.

Another crowd puller is likely to be the game zone, where students can pick between playing laser tag, scenario paintball and games like Counter Strike, FIFA 11 and more.