The Feynman Culture is the Physics Society of Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), founded with the vision of fostering curiosity, innovation, and a deep understanding of physical sciences among students. True to the spirit of Richard Feynman — the Nobel laureate known for his playful yet profound approach to physics — the society encourages hands-on learning, creative experimentation, and a love for discovery beyond textbooks. Over the years, The Feynman Culture has organized seminars, workshops, and competitions that bring together inquisitive minds from diverse disciplines, blending theory with application in the most engaging ways.

Tribo Tech Challenge

The Tribotech Challenge revolved around two fascinating scientific phenomena: triboelectric and piezoelectric effects. Participants were provided with essential components and were challenged to generate electricity through mechanical motion — such as tapping, pressing, or movement.

The goal was to translate simple human or environmental motion into usable electrical energy, demonstrating the potential of motion-based energy harvesting. Teams had to design and showcase a working prototype capable of producing measurable voltage or lighting up LEDs through their setup.

Why Tribo-tech ?

In an era where the world seeks green and renewable energy solutions, triboelectricity stands out as a promising frontier. Unlike conventional energy sources, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can harvest energy from everyday activities — footsteps, vibrations, wind, or even raindrops — making them a potential key to sustainable self-powered devices.

This aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy), promoting eco-friendly innovations that reduce dependence on fossil fuels and large-scale infrastructure.

By choosing triboelectricity as the theme, The Feynman Culture aimed to inspire students to think about micro-energy generation, wearable electronics, and sustainability through science — showing that even small movements can make a big impact.

The Event

All required materials — including electrodes, wires, LEDs, and piezoelectric/triboelectric films — were provided on-site. Participants collaborated to construct functional prototypes within a limited timeframe, applying fundamental physics to create real electrical output from mechanical interaction.

The event was filled with excitement as 14 teams competed against each other and experimented with PDMS material, surface textures, and contact mechanisms to maximize their energy output. Judges evaluated the projects based on innovation, efficiency, and practical application.

The challenge not only tested participants’ technical understanding but also encouraged innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving — embodying the spirit of both INNOVISION and The Feynman Culture.

CHAMPION TEAMS

Team SRNS

First Position

Team Tribo

Second Position

Team Entangled Photons

Third Position

The success of the Tribotech Challenge reaffirmed the growing relevance of triboelectric and piezoelectric research in sustainable technology. The Feynman Culture aims to continue exploring such emerging areas of physics that merge academic concepts with real-world innovation, contributing to a greener and smarter future.