Open Software

'Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning.'

1. Problem Statement

Open Software invites all the software wizards to bring forth any software designed, developed and coded by them. Participants have the liberty to code in any language based on Windows / Unix / Linux. Software which has been used commercially is not acceptable for the competition. The participant will have all rights over his/her software. Source code shall not be made open to anyone except the judges, if the participant so desires.

Prizes worth INR 12,000 to be won.

View the Competition Details »

Registration for Open Software 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
Marketability
Presentation

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 software. (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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Briefly mention the social aspects which your project aims to fulfill (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' or '.pdf' 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 flowchart/graphs/diagram. Diagrams should be on additional sheets.
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 opensoftware@techfest.org with the subject 'Open Software 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.
Participants who qualify after the screening round have to bring a soft copy of the software along with a well documented hard copy of the code for analysis by the judges.
On a single chart paper, the team should explain their software with the help of flow charts, figures, diagrams and relevant material. A detailed report of the software in support of the highlighting aspects should also be brought.
Teams will be given only one hour prior to the competition to set up their software at the venue for judging.
The report along with the chart mentioned above will have to be submitted to the competition coordinator at the time of the competition. Please note that this chart will be used for public display at the time of the competition.
Participants should submit their operating system and other requirements 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.

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 Software 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