IIT Hyderabad Hosts First Inter-IIT UG Innovation Meet
On January 4, 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad held its inaugural Inter-IIT Undergraduate Innovation Meet, known as RISE 2026 (Reimagining Innovation in Science and Engineering @ IITs). This event brought together undergraduate innovators from across the IIT ecosystem, marking a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and innovation among these prestigious institutions.
A Showcase of Innovation
The event featured a variety of innovative projects that demonstrated real-world applications. Among the highlights were:
- A wrist exosuit designed to aid rehabilitation.
- A bio-inspired drone that learns from nature.
- A handheld micro-imaging device developed by students from IIT (BHU), Varanasi.
These projects were not merely theoretical concepts but practical solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges.
Participation and Competition
Approximately 1,000 participants from various IITs and nearby engineering colleges attended the event. Students from ten IITs participated, including:
- IIT Hyderabad
- IIT Madras
- IIT Kanpur
- IIT Mandi
- IIT Varanasi
- IIT Kharagpur
- IIT Bhubaneswar
- IIT Guwahati
- IIT Jammu
- IIT Patna
The competition was fierce, with students showcasing their innovative projects in hopes of winning recognition and prizes.
Winners of the Innovation Championship
The Inter-IIT UG Innovation Championship concluded with the following results:
- Champion: Arkya and Supratim from IIT (BHU), Varanasi, for their handheld micro-imaging device, winning a cash prize of ₹5 lakh.
- First Runner-Up: Shreyas Balakarthikeyan from IIT Madras, who developed an automated SYNTAX score computation system to support clinical decision-making.
- Second Runner-Up: Akshadeep Suryawanshi and Garv Jain from IIT Mandi.
Additionally, special awards were given to Yug Gandhi and Udit Maini from IIT Hyderabad, along with Siddhant Ramling Gujar from IIT Madras, for their outstanding innovations.
Support for Innovation
During the event, IIT Hyderabad’s director, Professor B.S. Murty, emphasized the importance of innovation in the institute’s ethos. He stated, “Our motto, ‘Inventing and Innovating in Technology for Humanity’, is reflected in Innovation Day. The launch of the first-ever Inter-IIT Undergraduate Innovation Meet is a step towards building a shared culture of innovation across IITs.”
Nikhil Chakravarthi J, director of the Commissionerate of Industries, Government of Telangana, highlighted the government’s support for innovation. He mentioned various initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and bridging the gap between academia and industry, including:
- Interest subvention schemes
- SGST reimbursements
- T-Hub
- Funding support for manufacturing industries
These measures are designed to create a robust incubation ecosystem at IIT Hyderabad and support the innovative efforts of students.
Innovative Projects on Display
In addition to the championship entries, several other noteworthy projects were presented during the Innovation Meet. These included:
- A three-string parallel kinematic wrist exosuit for physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
- An environmentally friendly method for copper layer separation from end-of-life printed circuit boards.
- Various technology-driven solutions addressing diverse challenges.
These projects exemplify the creativity and ingenuity of the students involved, showcasing their potential to make a significant impact in their respective fields.
Conclusion
The first Inter-IIT Undergraduate Innovation Meet at IIT Hyderabad not only provided a platform for students to showcase their innovative solutions but also fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing among the IIT community. As these young innovators continue to develop practical solutions, the future of technology and engineering in India looks promising.
Note: This article is based on the events and information available as of January 2026.
