With IIT-Bombay’s Techfest approaching, the institute has decided to offer three-star hotel accommodation to outstation competitors participating in the technological extravaganza.
According to organisers, while some part of the cost will have to be borne by the competitors, the institute has ensured that it is well within their reach. It has resulted in entries increasing manifold as compared to past years.
Shrey Singh, manager at the 2012-13 fest, said, “In the past teams have backed-out from participating in Techfest due to issues relating to accommodation in the city.”
Steep prices of hotel rooms in an around Powai are a major letdown for those taking part in the largest technological competition.
“Previously, we used to provide accommodation to competitors in whatever rooms were available on campus. However, this year, we have changed our strategy and it has paid off as the entries have increased manifold,” said Mr Singh.
Participants are expected to submit an abstract of their project that they are planning to use for the competition to get a confirmation for accommodation. “The last date for receiving abstracts is November 25. However, we may extend the deadline depending on the number of applications,” said Mr Singh.
He said that IIT-B had tied up with hotels in the vicinity of IIT-B and they had agreed to let out the rooms during the period of fest for as low as `1,500.
“The hotels, if they insist, will be promoted through branding exercises,” said Mr Singh.
He added that it was the first time that IIT-B had taken the initiative with a view to provide decent accommodation to the competitors so that they are well rested and fresh during the competition.