Drone racing, combat robots: BITS Hyderabad to host ATMoS ’26

The cultural programme will feature stand-up comedian Nishant Suri on October 23, alongside a performance by the Mysore Express band, DJ nights and a laser mapping show.

Hyderabad: Students from more than 60 institutions across India are expected to converge at BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus for ATMoS ’26, the institute’s national techno-management festival, from October 23 to October 25.

Organisers expect over 20,000 attendees from more than 60 institutions across the country, including IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Hyderabad and BITS Pilani’s Goa campus at this year’s edition, themed Augmented Ascension. The three-day festival will feature artificial intelligence, robotics, drone racing and engineering competitions.

Tech, robotics and engineering: A haven for science geeks

It will bring together technology enthusiasts and student innovators through competitions, project exhibitions, workshops and entertainment, with activities ranging from AI-driven problem-solving to combat robots and custom-built racing vehicles.

Artificial intelligence will be a major focus, with the campus Computer Science Association organising an AI Hackathon that challenges student teams to develop AI-driven solutions to pressing social problems.

The campus Innovation Cell will organise a Tech Expo showcasing more than 100 student projects spanning artificial intelligence, robotics and software development. The exhibition will feature interactive demonstrations and expert judging, giving students a platform to present their ideas and innovations.

The Computer Science Association will organise an AI hackathon challenging student teams to develop AI-driven solutions to pressing social problems.

Synchrony Financial will conduct a workshop on AI in financial security, exploring applications in credit scoring and risk analysis.

The Tech Expo, organised by the campus Innovation Cell, will showcase more than 100 student projects in artificial intelligence, robotics and software development.

RoboWars will feature more than 20 combat robots from across the country competing in head-to-head battles.

The BITS Drone Racing League will feature more than 15 drones piloted by professional first-person-view (FPV) pilots. Organisers describe it as the largest field on the South India circuit.

Automotive engineering will also feature through the SAE BPHC Auto Expo and Time Attack Race, where student teams will race custom-built all-terrain vehicles against the clock.

Together, the events will showcase student work across software, robotics, mechanical engineering and vehicle design, combining technical challenges with live demonstrations for visitors.

National talent hunt draws over 5,000 participants

ATMoS includes initiatives designed to encourage scientific curiosity and problem-solving among students beyond the university.

Innowave, the festival’s national talent hunt, has attracted more than 5,000 participants, promoting creativity, critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving through competitive challenges.

Polympiad, a STEM initiative aimed at younger learners, seeks to nurture scientific curiosity. Workshops, technical talks and recreational activities will also take place throughout the festival.

Amit Mishra and Nishant Suri

The cultural programme will feature stand-up comedian Nishant Suri on October 23, alongside a performance by the Mysore Express band, DJ nights and a laser mapping show.

Bollywood playback singer Amit Mishra will headline Artist Night on October 24. He is known for songs including “Bulleya” from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, “Galti Se Mistake” from Jagga Jasoos and “Allah Duhai Hai” from Race 3.