PROPULSION 2026 – The Technical Saga That Powered TEMPEST

Asia’s Largest Marine Fest | IMU Kolkata (DMET/MERI)

When the engines of innovation start running, the entire campus feels the vibration. From 19–22 February 2026, the Indian Maritime University Kolkata Campus (erstwhile DMET / MERI) witnessed the successful execution of PROPULSION – The Tech Arena of TEMPEST 2026.

More than just a set of competitions, Propulsion 2026 transformed the campus into a vibrant arena of engineering, innovation, and teamwork. Cadets and participants gathered to test their knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving abilities across a wide range of technical and strategic challenges.

With a prize pool of ₹1,20,000, strong industry backing, and enthusiastic participation, Propulsion once again proved why it remains one of the most exciting technical segments of TEMPEST – Asia’s Largest Marine Fest.

Day 1 – Igniting Ideas and Robotics

📅 19 February 2026

The technical journey began in the Assembly Hall with Talk-A-Tech (Round 1). Participants presented innovative research ideas on topics such as:

• Green shipping and sustainable maritime technologies• Maritime environmental protection• Digital transformation in shipping• AI and smart ship technologies

The session set the tone for Propulsion, encouraging cadets to connect academic knowledge with real-world maritime challenges.

Later in the afternoon, attention shifted to robotics with Bot Ball, where teams designed and programmed autonomous robots to compete in a football-style challenge.

🤖 BOT BALL – Robotics Meets Strategy

Sponsored by Valiance Solution, Bot Ball turned the arena into a high-energy robotics battlefield. Teams engineered robots capable of navigating the field, controlling the ball, and executing strategies to score goals.

The event highlighted the growing importance of robotics, automation, and control systems in modern engineering.

Day 2 – Innovation on Water and Knowledge Battles

📅 20 February 2026

The second day brought together engineering creativity, research excellence, and maritime knowledge.

🧠 TALK-A-TECH – Grand Finals

The top five teams advanced to the finals and presented refined research proposals on maritime sustainability and emerging technologies.

Participants discussed themes such as:

• Green fuels and decarbonisation• Smart shipping technologies• Digital twins in maritime operations• Future maritime regulations and policies

Supported by JMDI, the event emphasized the importance of research and technical communication in the maritime sector.

🚤 DARE TO SAIL – Engineering Meets Water

At the campus swimming pool, teams launched their DC-motor-powered boats in a thrilling competition.

Sponsored by Shipsmith, Dare to Sail challenged participants to design efficient propulsion systems capable of achieving both speed and stability on water.

The race combined practical marine engineering principles with creativity and experimentation.

🧩 LA MARINA – The Maritime Quiz

Held in the Lower Gallery, La Marina tested participants’ maritime knowledge through an intense quiz format.

Sponsored by MICT – Marine Education Charitable Trust, the quiz covered topics including:

• Global shipping industry developments• Marine engineering fundamentals• International maritime regulations• Maritime history and technology

The competition demonstrated that technical awareness and industry knowledge are just as important as engineering skills.

Day 3 – Strategy, Speed and Campus Adventure

📅 21 February 2026

Day three brought energy and excitement to the entire campus.

🏁 THE DMET RACE

One of the most anticipated events of Propulsion, The DMET Race transformed the entire campus into a challenge arena.

Sponsored by Yugen Infra, teams navigated multiple checkpoints while solving technical clues and completing tasks. The event tested:

• Physical endurance• Engineering problem-solving• Team coordination• Decision-making under pressure

The race embodied the spirit of DMET’s rigorous training culture.

🎮 CONSOLE JAM – The E-Sports Arena

Held in the New Academic Building (NAB), Console Jam created a competitive virtual arena featuring:

• BGMI• FIFA 23

Sponsored by Valiance Solution, the event highlighted how strategy, coordination, and focus remain essential skills—whether in engineering challenges or digital competitions.

Grand Finale – NIRMAAN: Engineering Creativity

📅 22 February 2026 – Alumni Night

The final highlight of Propulsion was NIRMAAN – the Model Making Competition, held in the Old Academic Building Quadrangle.

Sponsored by Shipsmith, this competition encouraged teams to develop engineering models addressing real-world challenges.

Participants showcased projects related to:

• Smart port systems• Sustainable propulsion concepts• Automation in marine engineering• Infrastructure innovation

The event concluded during Alumni Night, creating a powerful connection between current cadets and generations of DMET alumni.

Sponsors – The Pillars Behind Propulsion

⭐ Valiance Solution – Presenting Sponsor

Valiance Solution served as the Presenting Sponsor of Propulsion 2026, playing a crucial role in supporting multiple events including:

• Bot Ball• Talk-A-Tech (presented support)• Console Jam (E-Sports)

Valiance Solution’s commitment to technology and innovation aligns strongly with the goals of Propulsion. By supporting student-driven technical initiatives, the organization is helping nurture the next generation of engineers, researchers, and technology leaders.

Their contribution elevated the event’s professional standards and helped bring advanced technical competitions to the campus.

🏗️ Shipsmith

Shipsmith supported the engineering-focused events:

• Dare to Sail• NIRMAAN – Model Making Competition

Their involvement reflects their dedication to practical engineering innovation and maritime technology.

🧠 JMDI

JMDI supported Talk-A-Tech, encouraging research-driven discussions and technical presentations that explored the future of the maritime industry.

🌍 MICT – Marine Education Charitable Trust

MICT sponsored La Marina – The Maritime Quiz, reinforcing their mission of promoting maritime education and knowledge development.

🏗️ Yugen Infra

Yugen Infra supported The DMET Race, helping create one of the most engaging and energetic events of Propulsion 2026.

Judges Panel

Event	Judges
Talk-A-Tech Round 1	S. Neogy Sir
Talk-A-Tech Finals	S. K. Sarkar Sir, S. Neogy Sir
Dare to Sail	Arun Kumar Singh Sir
La Marina – Maritime Quiz	A. K. Barai Sir, Das Sir (MECT)
NIRMAAN – Model Making	P. K. Bhattacharya Sir, Atanu Roy Sir, S. K. Sarkar Sir, S. Neogy Sir

Note of Gratitude

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the respected judges for their valuable time, guidance, and insightful evaluation throughout PROPULSION 2026.

Their experience, constructive feedback, and encouragement played a crucial role in making the competitions meaningful and inspiring for all participating cadets. Their presence not only ensured fair assessment but also motivated young engineers to think critically, innovate boldly, and pursue excellence in the maritime and engineering fields.

⚓ The Propulsion Team sincerely thanks all the judges for supporting and strengthening the spirit of TEMPEST 2026.

Final Thought

PROPULSION 2026 once again demonstrated the strength of the DMET legacy—a tradition where engineering excellence, innovation, and teamwork come together.

From robotics to maritime research, from campus races to engineering models, the event showcased the immense talent and passion of future marine engineers.

⚙️🌊 Propulsion was not just an event. It was the engine that powered TEMPEST 2026.