The three-day technological extravaganza, graVITas’25, hosted by VIT Vellore, brought together engineering students from various disciplines, including mechanical, electronics, and electrical and communication. These bright minds were hard at work, transforming their innovative ideas into reality.
Day two of the festival was packed with thrilling core events such as robo wars, drone racing, ‘toycathon’ – focusing on creating scientific toys – ‘the big bang theory,’ and ‘map quest.’ Spectators were treated to an exciting display as students fine-tuned their cutting-edge equipment, like custom-built robo cars, for maximum impact.
S. Shanthi Priya, a VIT student, highlighted the dedication involved: “Students spend years at the university perfecting their robots for these competitions. Constant fine-tuning is crucial to maintain a competitive edge.”
In the intense robo wars, victory hinged on a robot’s aggression, precise control, and its ability to inflict damage upon opponents. These hands-on challenges offer engineering students invaluable practical experience, directly applying their theoretical knowledge in a dynamic environment.
Robots were categorized by weight (e.g., 15kg and 60kg) and remotely operated by teams from outside the ring. If a robot sustained damage, teams had a tight 20-minute window for repairs, though replacing a damaged robot was not permitted.
Another major highlight was the drone racing competition. Teams skillfully navigated their drones through intricate obstacle courses, featuring archways and poles, spanning approximately 200 meters. The goal was simple: complete the course without hitting any obstacles in the shortest possible time.
Beyond the technical challenges, graVITas’25 also served as a launchpad for student entrepreneurship. Through an event aptly named ‘capital hunt,’ budding innovators connected with seasoned investors from the startup industry. These experts offered invaluable guidance on navigating the complexities of building successful ventures.
A dedicated career expo further bridged the gap between talent and opportunity, providing non-VIT students and winners of various hackathons and technical competitions with internship offers as part of their prizes.
With over 40,000 participants engaging in a multitude of competitions, graVITas’25 boasted a prize pool exceeding ₹30 lakhs, encompassing both cash and other rewards. More than 60 industry experts and professionals contributed as resource persons, leading workshops and seminars, solidifying graVITas’25’s reputation as a vibrant hub for mentorship, knowledge exchange, and innovation.