IIT-BHU Students Shine at Inter-IIT Innovation Meet
Varanasi: Students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), BHU have brought national recognition to their institute by winning the first prize at the Inter-IIT Undergraduate Innovation Meet – RISE@IITs 2026, hosted by IIT-Hyderabad. This prestigious event showcased the innovative capabilities of students from various IITs across the country.
The Winning Team
The winning team comprised Arkya Jyoti Ghosh and Supratim Mahapatra, who worked under the supervision of Prof. Pranjal Chandra, an associate professor at the School of Biochemical Engineering. Their project, titled Handheld Micro-Imaging Device, is an innovative and cost-effective imaging technology developed at IIT-BHU.
Recognition and Awards
The team was awarded a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh along with the Winner’s Shield for their outstanding contribution. According to an IIT-BHU spokesperson, the national-level innovation meet saw hundreds of submissions from IITs across the country. After a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, only 26 innovations were shortlisted for live demonstrations.
Competition Highlights
The IIT-BHU project advanced to the Top 6 finalists and ultimately emerged as the overall winner after final presentations and prototype demonstrations. The finalists presented their projects before a distinguished jury that included eminent technocrats, senior government officials, policy-makers, and representatives of implementing agencies.
About the Handheld Micro-Imaging Device
The handheld micro-imaging device impressed the jury with its low-cost design, portability, and wide-ranging applications. Its potential uses include:
- Education
- Research
- Point-of-care diagnostics, particularly in resource-limited settings
The team noted that the technology has significant potential applications in imaging cellular structures, including cancer cells and microbial systems. This innovation represents a step forward in making advanced imaging technology accessible to a broader audience.
Institute’s Commitment to Innovation
Prof. Amit Patra, the Director of IIT-BHU, expressed pride in the achievement, stating that winning the top prize reflects the institute’s strong culture of innovation and its commitment to nurturing solutions for real-world challenges. This victory not only highlights the capabilities of IIT-BHU students but also reinforces the institute’s role in contributing to technological advancements in India.
Conclusion
The success of the IIT-BHU team at the Inter-IIT Innovation Meet underscores the importance of innovation in education and research. Their achievement stands as a testament to the potential of young minds to address pressing challenges through creativity and technological advancement.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest available data and news reports as of January 2026.
