TechConnect'24 | ResCon: Soch Vichar Achar | Research Poster Presentation Competition

Competition Overview:

EnPoWER, IIT Bombay, in collaboration with the Industrial Research and Consultancy Centre (IRCC), presents "Soch-Vichar-Achar," the flagship research competition of IIT Bombay under TechConnect 2024. This event aims to ignite curiosity among undergraduates across India, offering a platform to showcase their research and win exciting prizes.

The competition will consist of three rounds:

• Abstract Submission Round: Teams must submit an abstract outlining their research work.
• Poster Presentation Round: The top 50 teams will display their research posters at IIT Bombay. All teams are invited to the final presentation round on 17th December 2024 during Techfest, Asia's largest science and technology festival.
• Presentation Round: The top 10 teams will give a 15-minute research presentation.

Eligibility Criteria & Participation Guidelines:

• Registration is open to all.
• Teams may consist of 1-4 students.
• All participants must be undergraduate students as of 31st December 2024.
• All team members must belong to the same institute.
• Teams cannot be changed once registered
• Multiple registrations by an individual or team will result in disqualification.
• In case of any discrepancies, the decision of the organizing team will be final and binding.
• Accommodation during the presentation round will be provided for only 2 out of the 4 team members at IIT Bombay (refer to the accommodation details below).

Abstract Submission Round:

The first round will take place online on the Unstop platform. Teams are required to submit an abstract that outlines their research, highlighting progress, novelty, and industry relevance. This abstract will serve as the basis for the initial elimination phase.

Domains for abstract submission are:

• Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
• Biology, Healthcare and Health Sciences
• Chemistry and Materials Science
• Electrical and Electronics
• Signal Processing and Communication
• Thermal Science and Fluid Mechanics
• Theoretical Physics and Mathematics
• Aerospace and Structural Engineering
• Social Sciences (Sociology, Psychology, Economics etc.)
• Business Management (Marketing, Finance, Entrepreneurship etc.)
• Environmental and Agricultural Sciences

Note: Teams must choose the research domain that most significantly overlaps with their research. Based on the submissions, the top 50 teams will advance to the Poster Presentation Round. These teams will be invited to IIT Bombay for the final round on December 17th.

Evaluation Criteria for Abstract:

• Clarity and Conciseness (10 marks): The abstract should effectively convey the research objectives, methods, and significance clearly and concisely.
• Originality and Relevance (15 marks): Assessment of the novelty of the research idea and its alignment with the chosen domain, highlighting its potential contributions to the field and relevance to current industry needs.
• Presentation Quality and Methodological Rigor (25 marks): Evaluation of the overall presentation quality, including formatting, neatness, and visual appeal. Also includes an assessment of the research design and methodology, along with the potential implications of the findings for the field or society.

The guidelines & template for abstract submission can be found here using the link:

Poster Presentation Round:

The Poster Presentation Round aims to provide teams with an opportunity to visually present their research work, highlighting key findings and methodologies, while effectively communicating the significance and impact of their study.

Guidelines for the Poster Presentation Round will be shared later. 

Evaluation Criteria for Poster Competition would be as follows: 

• Content and Depth of Research (15 marks): Well-structured and
  researched work put forward with clarity of thought.
• Presentation Skills (15 marks): Quality of the presentation and the team’s ability to communicate and defend their ideas.
• Layout/Design of Poster (5 marks): The poster's overall arrangement and visual appeal.
• Impact and Relevance (5 marks): The importance and potential of
  the idea presented in the real world.

Presentation Round:

In addition to submitting your poster, teams must prepare a brief presentation summarizing their research. This presentation will be required if the team advances to the final round. Regardless of the outcome, submission of the presentation before the conference is mandatory for competition qualification. The presentation should cover the following sections:

• Introduction: Provide an overview of your research topic and its significance.
• Objectives: Clearly define the goals and objectives of your research.
• Methodology: Outline the research methods and techniques used in your study.
• Results: Present key findings and outcomes of your research.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main conclusions of your study.
• Implications: Discuss the potential impact or applications of your research.

The top 50 shortlisted teams must submit their posters by 11:59 PM on December 5th, 2024, and presentations by 11:59 PM on December 10th, 2024, to remain eligible and advance to the next rounds of the competition. Please note that the portal for submissions for the presentation round will be live after the deadline for the poster presentation round.

Note: Submitting the poster and presentation is mandatory to participate in the Poster Presentation Round.

Evaluation Criteria for Presentation:

• Need and Impact (10 marks): The importance and potential of the idea presented if the alignment with the present industry standards was adequately addressed.
• Content and Clarity (20 marks): Well-structured and researched work, put forward with clarity of thought. The participant can respond to inquiries posed by the panelists.
• Presentation Skills and Preparedness (20 marks): The presentation's quality and ability to communicate and defend their idea.

Accommodation for Shortlisted Teams:

Students advancing to Round 2 of the competition will have the option to secure accommodation on campus during Techfest, scheduled from 16th to 20th December 2024, at a fee of ₹3,099. Registration for accommodation will be conducted through the Techfest portal, with further details to be provided in due course. Please note, that only two team members will be invited to avail of this facility.

Prizes and Rewards: Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 10 winners of the competition: 

• 1st position: ₹25,000
• 2nd position: ₹20,000
• 3rd position: ₹15,000
• 4th position: ₹5,000
• 5th position: ₹5,000
• 6th to 10th position: ₹2,000 each, along with a prestigious certificate of merit.

Teams from IIT Bombay securing a position in the top 5 will be awarded funding for their ongoing research projects under a professor guide from the institute. Non-IIT Bombay students securing a position in the top 3 teams will be offered an exclusive research internship at IIT Bombay with a monthly stipend of 15k, with a duration of up to 2 months.