IIT-Madras to host annual tech festival Shastra from January 3 to 7

First-time events:

Shaastra Aerial Robotics Challenge: Involves autonomous drone delivery. Drones autonomously navigate a geo-fenced area to locate a target and drop a payload accurately, demonstrating their programming and sensor capabilities. 

RoboSoccer: This event will feature teams presenting their custom-designed robots in competitive soccer matches. Demonstrating advanced programming and strategic gameplay, these robots will exhibit impressive skills, including dribbling, passing, and scoring

Algo Trading: It offers a unique platform for participants to design and implement trading algorithms. Teams will compete on the AlgoBulls platform, showcasing strategies in an event that merges coding and financial acumen.

Petri-dish Challenge:  The event involves identifying an unknown bacteria through a series of rigorous laboratory experiments. The wet lab competition is being conducted for the first time in Shaastra, taking place in the laboratories of IIT Madras Biotechnology department, sponsored by NIOT.

CONFERENCES, SUMMITS, SHOWS & LECTURES

Shaastra 2025 also includes several conferences and summits, including 

IndustriAI Conference: First 3-Day International Research Conference in the history of Shaastra. The conference which explores rapid integration of AI, Big Data Analytics, Robotics etc. in revolutionizing industries has “Smart Manufacturing” as its theme is being sponsored by NIOT and Temenos.

Future Cities Summit: The 3-day Future Cities Summit focuses on urban planning, sustainability, energy, and advanced technologies, featuring panels, hands-on demos, and startups from IIT Madras Research Park. Highlights include lab tours, global expert insights, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

SHOWS

Tech-Entertainment Night: Shaastra’s Tech-Entertainment Night will feature a mix of techno music and lively beats. Hip-hop artist Karan Kanchan and international DJ Camilla will perform at the event. They will bring a variety of rhythms and melodies to the stage.

Comedy Night: From relatable everyday experiences to absurd observations, the comedians will have the audience laughing out loud. Featuring Standup Comedian Gurleen Pannu

SPOTLIGHT LECTURES

— Nambi Narayanan, renowned aerospace scientist, Padma Bhushan Awardee

— Ruchira Kamboj, Former Permanent Ambassador of India to the UN

— Dr Sujatha Ramadorai, Mathematician, Padma Shri Awardee

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