External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to Inaugurate Shaastra 2026 at IIT Madras
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is set to host its annual technical festival, Shaastra 2026, from January 2 to January 6, 2026. The event will be inaugurated by S. Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs, Government of India. This year marks the 27th edition of the festival, which is expected to attract over 80,000 visitors.
Overview of Shaastra 2026
Shaastra is a student-managed event that showcases a diverse range of activities, including competitions, exhibitions, workshops, conferences, and shows. The festival is designed to foster innovation and creativity among students and professionals alike.
Inauguration and Key Highlights
During the inauguration, Minister Jaishankar will also launch the IIT Madras Global Foundation. This foundation aims to enhance the institute’s international outreach, focusing on:
- Transfer of Technologies (ToT)
- Building global relationships
- Creating new business opportunities for IIT Madras startups
- Facilitating international investment opportunities
According to V Kamakoti, the Director of IIT Madras, the institute plans to establish global outposts in various countries, including the United States, Germany, Malaysia, and Dubai.
Educators Conclave
As part of the Shaastra 2026 initiative, IIT Madras will host an Educators Conclave under the Vidya Vahak programme. This conclave is aimed at providing educators with exclusive masterclasses and professional networking opportunities. The focus will be on training 150 teachers from government schools in tribal areas, covering essential pedagogy and foundational AI-ML tools, along with simulation-based teaching methods.
Innovative Events and Competitions
Shaastra 2026 will introduce several first-of-their-kind events, including:
- Robo GP: A high-speed robotic racing challenge.
- NeuroHack: A brain-computer interface hackathon.
- E-Contest: A coding challenge designed for tech enthusiasts.
Funding and Sponsorship
This year’s festival has successfully raised ₹1.68 crore in sponsorship from industry partners and the alumni network, marking a 29.4% increase compared to the previous year. This financial support is crucial for the successful execution of the festival and its various activities.
Distinguished Speakers
Shaastra 2026 will feature lectures from several distinguished leaders and experts, including:
- Jeffrey Ullman: Turing Award laureate and renowned computer scientist.
- Subra Suresh: Former Director of the US National Science Foundation.
- Vidita Vaidya: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize-winning neuroscientist.
Other eminent scientists, administrators, and thought leaders will also contribute to the event, sharing their insights and experiences with participants.
Conclusion
Shaastra 2026 promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for all attendees, providing a platform for innovation, collaboration, and learning. The participation of high-profile speakers and the introduction of unique events will enhance the festival’s reputation as one of the leading technical festivals in India.
Note: The details mentioned in this article are based on information available as of December 2025 and are subject to change.
