Biotechnology festival organized by the Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras to be held on 31st March and 1st April

With over 10 events and a lac in prize money, Biofest promises to be one of the best upcoming technical festivals in India
Chennai, 25th March, 2012:
Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras today announced it’s upcoming biotechnology festival Biofest 2012.Eagerly awaited by hundreds of students across India, Biofest 2012 is being organized for the first time with an aim of promoting research and innovation in various fields of Bioengineering and Biosciences. Biofest promises to attract the best minds across the varied fields of Biotechnology, apart from the leading personalities in academia and industry. It will be held on 31st March and 1st April with the aim of bringing together the best Bio-engineers. With 11 events such as Forensics, Biofest Open Quiz, Biodocks, Biorobotics, Biofest 2012 pledges to promote creative thinking and invoke the scientific spirit among its participants. In addition to this, there are events like Streax and GD Challenge, organized for the first time ever in India which aims to promote interdisciplinary participation and blend innovation with entertainment. To participate, one has to log on to www.biofest.org . One can also log on to www.facebook.com/Biofest for event updates!

Speaking on the enthusiasm displayed by the participants, Sagar Laygude, President of the Biofest Organizing Team said “We are not surprised by the sheer enthusiasm people are showing for Biofest. We got more than 200 likes in less than 2 days on our Facebook page. Many outstation participants have already registered for accommodation and we are doing our best to ensure that they have a comfortable stay and an enjoyable weekend. There is something we cannot deny, and that is the fact that Biotechnology is creating an impact in today’s world. We aim to channel the impact using our events”

The spotlight events that are sure to steal the show are:
Biofest Open Quiz: With the pre-requisite being basic understanding of biotechnology and biosciences, Biofest Open Quiz is the FIRST ever such event on such a scale. Get set to witness some of the best brains buzzing with the high voltage quizzing action with each round better and more challenging than the other. The Quiz is Open to everyone!
Forensics: A classic crowd puller that brings out the science involved in one of the most indispensable fields of biological sciences. It teaches the participants the basic crux of forensic science and giving them realistic hands-on experience by hosting cleverly simulated crime scenes in the finals.
Streax: A first of it’s kind event, for all those arty souls out there. Dexterity, Originality and some Kitsch are all that is required for this fun event that requires participants to streak innovative designs on a petri dish of Agar Agar. A workshop will be organized prior to the event. Agar Art involves growing bacteria in Agar plates such that they form beautiful images once they reach maturity.

For more details, please visit our website www.biofest.org and stay tuned to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Biofest) for updates!
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Contact:
Jithin Sam Varghese +919043618738
Aditya Sriganesh +919790875039
Or mail us at [email protected]

About the Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras:

The Department of Biotechnology at IIT Madras was founded in 2004 with a vision to make an impact through research, technology based training and innovation and service to society. The focus of the department includes basic research in modern biotechnology and molecular basis of life processes; enhancing knowledge base and human resource development; and biotechnology for societal development. The Faculty is involved in cutting-edge research in industrial biotechnology and also in research of a more biological nature.