Techfest 2009, the biggest annual international science and technology festival of India was launched Saturday in Mumbai.

The Techfest 2009, with over 45,000 university students and 1, 500 corporate executives from all over India and abroad being part of it, is organized by India Institute of Technology Mumbai(IIT-B), which is located in Powai, suburb of Mumbai.

During the three-day event, a wide range of events including robot competitions, workshops, lectures and exhibitions will be held in the campus of IIT B.

Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Saturday showcased some of its achievements, including newly designed submachine gun, unmanned vechil, carbon steel platform and tank carrier.

Robot competition catches most eyes, with 42 teams from all over India to compete in seven categories of Awards.

A competition for legged robots for the first time named the " arthrobot" is being introduced by the organizers. The participants are expected to build a legged robot which can pass through a designated path in the least possible time.

"The concept of legged robots at institute competition level is alien. This year, we are expecting a great response from the foreign participants," said Sushil Shintre, an organizer of Techfest.

Apart from the competitions, Techfest 2009 also offered a platform for innovative ideas. "Prayaas", one of their competitions, allowed participants to present their ideas on how to use renewable sources of energy.

(Xinhua News Agency January 25, 2009)