TiHAN–IIT Hyderabad and AP Drones Corp Ink MoU to Build Drone City, Boost India’s UAV Ecosystem

Highlights:

• MoU signed between TiHAN–IIT Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh Drones Corporation (APDC) to collaborate on developing Drone City and the broader Drone ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh.
• MoU signed in the presence of Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
• TiHAN–IIT Hyderabad to serve as a Technical and Knowledge Partner to APDC, providing technical, research and strategic inputs.
• Collaboration to cover Drone R&D, UAV platforms, sensors, payloads, AI/ML, Autonomous systems, communication technologies, UAS traffic management, skilling and innovation initiatives.

Hyderabad: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the NMICPS Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN) - IIT Hyderabad (IITH) and the Andhra Pradesh Drones Corporation (APDC), a Government of Andhra Pradesh undertaking and the nodal agency for Drone City development in the State, to establish a structured framework for collaboration towards the development of Drone City and the broader Drone ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh. The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India and Prof. B S Murty, Director, IITH.

Under the MoU, TiHAN–IITH will serve as a Technical and Knowledge Partner to APDC, providing technical expertise, research inputs, and strategic support for the conceptualisation, planning, development, and operational support of the Drone City and allied Drone ecosystem initiatives. The collaboration brings together TiHAN–IITH’s expertise in Autonomous Navigation, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Sensors and related emerging technologies with APDC’s mandate for the planning, development, operationalisation, and promotion of Drone City and allied Drone ecosystem infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.

Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, said on the partnership, "The development of a strong drone ecosystem requires close collaboration between government, academia, industry and the innovation community. This MoU between Andhra Pradesh Drones Corporation and TiHAN–IIT Hyderabad brings together the State’s vision for Drone City with IIT Hyderabad’s strengths in research, technology development, testing and innovation. We look forward to supporting Andhra Pradesh in building a globally relevant ecosystem for drones through knowledge sharing, technical expertise, capacity building and collaborative innovation. This partnership has the potential to create new opportunities for researchers, startups and industry while contributing to the growth of advanced drone technologies in India.

The MoU further envisages cooperation in policy, standards and best practices relevant to Drone operations, testing, innovation and ecosystem development. The partnership will also focus on skilling and capacity building through curriculum development, specialised training modules, certification programmes, workshops and other capacity-building initiatives for government officials, industry stakeholders, startups, and students. The collaboration is also expected to provide a platform for joint research projects, proofs of concept, pilot programmes, innovation challenges, and other initiatives aimed at fostering stronger academic–industry–government collaboration within the Drone ecosystem.

About TiHAN, IITH

Department of Science and Technology (DST), under National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), has sanctioned the prestigious Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) in the technology vertical of Autonomous Navigation and Data Acquisition Systems (UAVs, ROVs, etc.). Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN) at IITH is a multi-departmental initiative, including researchers from Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mathematics, Design, and Entrepreneurship at IITH, with collaboration and support from reputed institutions and industry.

As part of the project, we are setting up a first of its kind integrated testbed on Autonomous Navigations (Aerial/Terrestrial) on the IITH campus, which has state of the art facilities such as Proving Grounds, Test tracks, Mechanical integration facilities like Hangers, Ground control stations, State of the art Simulation tools (SIL, MIL, HIL, VIL), Test tracks/circuits, Road Infra – Smart Poles, signalized & unsignalized Intersections, Environment Emulators like Rainfall Simulators, V2X Communications, Landing area, Control Test center.

TiHAN-IITH is envisaged as the destination for collaborative research for next-generation mobility solutions between academia, industry, and R&D Labs, both national and international. To know more, please visit: https://tihan.iith.ac.in/

About IIT Hyderabad:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Startups in a short span of 17+ years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 588th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 270th in the QS Asian University Rankings 2026 (123rd globally in citations per faculty). IITH has recorded a major leap in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, entering the global Top 400 in Engineering & Technology with a rank of 395, marking a sharp improvement from the 501–550 band in 2025. IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Stanford /Elsevier Global Top 2% Scientists list 2025 across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with its vision of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity," guided by its newly adopted Sanskrit Motto, "नवोन्मेषेण देशनिर्माणम्" (Nation Building through Innovation).

With 350+ full-time Faculty, 360 non-teaching Staff and 6120+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5910+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1855+ Cr (Rs. 245+ Cr funding in 2025-26), 14,170+ Publications, 2,90,270+ Citations, 166 h-index, 810+ Patents, 435+ granted patents (250 Patents in 2025, i.e., almost a patent on every working day in 2025), and 300+ Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

The thrust areas of research at IITH are: Next-Generation Telecommunications, Autonomous Navigation, Robotics & Intelligent systems, Semiconductors & Devices, Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Materials & Critical Minerals, Materials characterisation, Catalysis, Healthcare, Energy, Sustainability, Climate Change, Smart Mobility, EV technology, Quantum technologies, Nuclear Energy, Computational Engineering, Design, AR/VR, Waste management, and Rural development.

About Andhra Pradesh Drones Corporation:

Andhra Pradesh Drones Corporation (APDC) is the state government’s nodal agency for promoting, developing, and deploying Drone technologies across Andhra Pradesh. Incorporated in 2018 and headquartered in Vijayawada, APDC drives the implementation of Drone-powered solutions in Governance, Logistics, Agriculture, and Public services while fostering a robust Drone ecosystem through policy, infrastructure, and industry partnerships.

Under the state’s Drone Policy 4.0 (2024–29), APDC is spearheading initiatives such as the AP Drone Mart portal, Drone delivery networks in Amaravati, and the upcoming Drone City in Kurnool to position Andhra Pradesh as a national leader in Autonomous Aerial Systems.

Jindal Steel and IIT Hyderabad to Establish Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Advanced Steel Solutions

• Centre to combine IITH’s technical capabilities with Jindal Steel’s manufacturing, metallurgical and engineering expertise.
• Focus on applications across infrastructure, construction, defence, power, transportation and heavy engineering.
• Centre to support application development, technical demonstrations, training, industry engagement and knowledge sharing.

Jindal Steel, one of India’s leading steel manufacturers, and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Jindal Steel Centre of Excellence (CoE) for High-Strength, Value-Added and Value-Engineered Steel Products and Solutions at the IIT Hyderabad campus.

The first-of-its-kind Centre will accelerate the application and adoption of advanced steel solutions across infrastructure, engineering, construction and strategic industrial sectors. The Centre will combine IITH’s technical capabilities with Jindal Steel’s manufacturing, metallurgical and engineering expertise to develop and demonstrate applications for high-strength, value-added and value-engineered steels. These solutions are aimed at offering higher performance, lower material consumption, reduced weight, faster execution, improved durability and better lifecycle economics.

The applications will span buildings and bridges, penstocks and large-diameter pipes, defence, yellow goods and heavy equipment, power plants, refineries, transportation, heavy engineering and other critical industrial applications. The Centre will work with designers, consultants, engineers, fabricators, EPC companies, equipment manufacturers and project developers to identify applications and facilitate the adoption of advanced steel grades.

Jindal Steel will invest in developing a physical Centre of Excellence (CoE)at the IIT Hyderabad campus, which will serve as a hub for application development, technical demonstrations, training, industry engagement and knowledge sharing.

Speaking on the partnership, Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, said “This Centre of Excellence strengthens IITH’s role in promoting advanced steel solutions across India’s engineering, infrastructure and industrial sectors. It will enable faculty and students to work closely with industry on real-world applications and demonstrate how high-strength and value-engineered steels can drive efficiency, performance and sustainability. We look forward to an impactful partnership with Jindal Steel."

Mr V R Sharma, Managing Director, Jindal Steel, said: “Partnering with IIT Hyderabad is a major step in expanding the use of high-strength and value-engineered steel across India’s infrastructure, engineering and industrial sectors. By combining IITH’s technical capabilities with Jindal Steel’s manufacturing, metallurgical and engineering expertise, the Centre will demonstrate solutions that are stronger, lighter, faster and more efficient across a wide range of applications. Our goal is to accelerate their adoption in real-world projects.

The partnership will include application development programmes, workshops, symposia, industry-academia training, demonstration projects, student internships and placements, academic modules and industry engagement initiatives. The Centre will also engage with industry stakeholders, government agencies and end users to support technical evaluation and enable the adoption of advanced steel solutions at scale.

About Jindal Steel:

Jindal Steel is one of India’s foremost integrated steel producers, renowned for its scale, efficiency, and commitment to excellence. Operating on a robust mine-to-metal model, the Company leverages captive resources, Advanced Manufacturing capabilities, and a global distribution network to deliver high-performance steel solutions.

With an investment footprint exceeding USD 12 billion, Jindal Steel runs state-of-the-art facilities in Angul, Raigarh, and Patratu, and maintains strategic operations across India and Africa. Its diversified and future-ready product portfolio underpins core sectors such as infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing, powering progress through strength and sustainability.

About IITH:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17+ years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 588th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 270th in the QS Asian University Rankings 2026 (123rd globally in citations per faculty). IITH has recorded a major leap in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, entering the global Top 400 in Engineering & Technology with a rank of 395, marking a sharp improvement from the 501–550 band in 2025. IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Stanford /Elsevier Global Top 2% Scientists list 2025 across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with its vision of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity," guided by its newly adopted Sanskrit Motto, "नवोन्मेषेण देशनिर्माणम्" (Nation Building through Innovation).

With 350+ full-time Faculty, 350+ non-teaching Staff and 6140+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5830+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1845+ Cr (Rs. 245+ Cr funding in 2025-26), 14,040+ Publications, 2,85,210+ Citations, 165 h-index, 790+ Patents, 400+ granted patents (250 Patents in 2025, i.e., almost a patent on every working day in 2025), and about 300 Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

The thrust areas of research at IITH are: Next-Generation Telecommunications, Autonomous Navigation, Robotics & Intelligent systems, Semiconductors & Devices, Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Materials & Critical Minerals, Materials characterisation, Catalysis, Healthcare, Energy, Sustainability, Climate Change, Smart Mobility, EV technology, Quantum technologies, Nuclear Energy, Computational Engineering, Design, AR/VR, Waste management, and Rural development. 

IIT Hyderabad, Crimson Energy Launch ANUGYAN: India’s First Nuclear Tech Industry–Academia Programme

Highlights

• Three-month residential programme to prepare deployment-ready engineers for India's expanding nuclear energy sector.
• The curriculum integrates reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), nuclear safety, regulatory compliance and simulator-based training.
• The programme supports India's vision of expanding nuclear power capacity to 100 GWe by 2047 through the development of an indigenous workforce.

The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), in collaboration with Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd. (CEEPL), today inaugurated ANUGYAN – Nuclear Technology Orientation Programme (NTOP), India's first industry–academia programme dedicated to preparing engineers and industry professionals for the country's rapidly expanding civil nuclear energy sector.

The programme was formally launched during a ceremony held at the IIT Hyderabad campus in the presence of senior leaders from academia and industry, marking a significant milestone in strengthening India's indigenous capabilities in nuclear engineering education, workforce development and clean energy technologies.

Designed as a three-month fully residential programme, ANUGYAN bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world industrial execution by combining IIT Hyderabad's academic excellence with the extensive expertise of senior nuclear professionals from Crimson Energy Experts. The programme aims to create highly skilled professionals capable of supporting India's growing nuclear energy ecosystem through advanced technical education and practical industry exposure.

With India opening civil nuclear energy to greater private participation and targeting an expansion of its nuclear power generation capacity from approximately 8.8 GWe to 100 GWe by 2047, ANUGYAN has been conceptualized to address the growing demand for specialized engineering talent. The curriculum covers reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, radiation shielding, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), nuclear safety, quality assurance, engineering design, AERB regulatory compliance, and generic simulator-based training, providing participants with comprehensive exposure to modern nuclear engineering practices.

The programme also creates opportunities for engineering graduates, working professionals, PSU executives, EPC contractors and industrial equipment manufacturers to develop specialized capabilities for contributing to India's emerging nuclear supply chain. Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a joint certification from IIT Hyderabad and Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd.

The launch of ANUGYAN also builds upon the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between IIT Hyderabad, Dassault Systèmes and Crimson Energy Experts during Bharat Innovate 2026 in Nice, France, to establish the Centre of Design Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (CODENE). The proposed Centre will create a state-of-the-art ecosystem for advanced nuclear engineering design, digital simulation and collaborative research, further strengthening India's indigenous capabilities in nuclear technologies.

Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, said: "The launch of ANUGYAN reflects IIT Hyderabad's commitment to developing future-ready talent aligned with India's strategic priorities. As the nation accelerates its clean energy transition and expands its civil nuclear programme, building a highly skilled workforce becomes increasingly important. Through this unique industry–academia partnership, we are combining academic excellence with decades of industrial expertise to prepare engineers capable of driving innovation, ensuring safety, and contributing meaningfully to India's long-term energy security and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. We believe this initiative will play a vital role in creating the next generation of nuclear engineering professionals for the country."

Cmde R. D. Mane (Retd.), President – Nuclear Division, Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd., said: "Nuclear technology execution demands strict compliance, quality assurance and specialized engineering design. Through ANUGYAN, our aim is to train engineers who can navigate AERB regulations, optimize equipment design and deliver high-reliability execution for next-generation nuclear deployments, including Small Modular Reactors and floating nuclear power plants. The programme combines rigorous coursework with practical case studies delivered by veterans with decades of experience at premier Department of Atomic Energy institutions such as BARC and NPCIL. We are delighted to partner with IIT Hyderabad in developing world-class nuclear engineering talent for India's future."

The inaugural batch of ANUGYAN commenced on August 3, 2026, with participants drawn from engineering institutions, public sector organizations and industries across the country. The programme is expected to play a significant role in strengthening India's nuclear engineering ecosystem by preparing deployment-ready professionals equipped to contribute across research institutions, public sector enterprises, engineering procurement and construction (EPC) companies, advanced manufacturing industries and emerging nuclear technology enterprises.

By integrating academic rigour with industry experience, ANUGYAN represents a major step towards building the skilled workforce required for India's next generation of clean energy infrastructure while advancing the national vision of energy security, technological self-reliance and sustainable development.

About Crimson Energy:

Crimson Energy Experts Pvt Ltd is a leading technical firm specializing in nuclear engineering, SMR/ Micro Reactor design, technology localisation with comprehensive design and technical services for setting up Nuclear Power Plants and workforce development through its "Anugyan" education framework. For more details -: https://anugyan.com/

About IITH:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17+ years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 588th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 270th in the QS Asian University Rankings 2026 (123rd globally in citations per faculty). IITH has recorded a major leap in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, entering the global Top 400 in Engineering & Technology with a rank of 395, marking a sharp improvement from the 501–550 band in 2025. IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Stanford /Elsevier Global Top 2% Scientists list 2025 across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with its vision of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity," guided by its newly adopted Sanskrit Motto, "नवोन्मेषेण देशनिर्माणम्" (Nation Building through Innovation).

• 345+ full-time Faculty
• 350+ non-teaching Staff
• 6140+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%)
• 5730+ R&D Projects worth Rs. 1820+ Cr (Rs. 245+ Cr funding in 2025-26)
• 14,040+ Publications
• 2,85,210+ Citations
• 165 h-index
• 775+ Patents (250 Patents in 2025, i.e., 0.75 patents per faculty in 2025)
• About 300 Start-ups (generated 1100+ jobs with revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr)

The thrust areas of research at IITH are: Next-Generation Telecommunications, Autonomous Navigation, Robotics & Intelligent systems, Semiconductors & Devices, Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Materials & Critical Minerals, Materials characterisation, Catalysis, Healthcare, Energy, Sustainability, Climate Change, Smart Mobility, EV technology, Quantum technologies, Nuclear Energy, Computational Engineering, Design, AR/VR, Waste management, and Rural development.


Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest updates. To know more, please visit https://www.iith.ac.in/ || You can view all press releases/notes from IIT Hyderabad at: https://pr.iith.ac.in/press-release || Cell: 8331036099 | Email: pro@iith.ac.in

IIT Hyderabad Launches Nuclear Technology Orientation Programme with Crimson Energy Experts

IITH & Crimson Team at launch

• 3-month residential programme to build skilled workforce for India’s growing nuclear energy sector. 
• Joint initiative by IIT Hyderabad and Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd.
• Participants to learn from IIT Hyderabad faculty and experienced Scientists and Engineers from the Department of Atomic Energy ecosystem

In a significant step towards strengthening India’s nuclear energy talent pipeline, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), in collaboration with Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd. (CEEPL), has announced the launch of the Nuclear Technology Orientation Programme (NTOP), a first-of-its-kind three-month residential programme designed to equip Engineers and Professionals with a comprehensive understanding of nuclear power technologies and operations. The programme will commence on August 3, 2026, at the IITH campus.

As India accelerates its clean energy transition and expands its nuclear power capacity, the demand for trained professionals with domain knowledge in nuclear technologies is expected to grow significantly. The NTOP aims to bridge this industry-academia gap by offering participants exposure to the technical, operational, safety, and regulatory aspects of nuclear power generation.

The programme is targeted at early and mid-career Engineers, Managers from EPC companies, manufacturing professionals, engineering consultants, power sector personnel, and executives from public sector undertakings engaged in energy and infrastructure development. The curriculum combines foundational nuclear engineering concepts with practical industry perspectives and covers topics such as Reactor Physics, Reactor Engineering, Radiation shielding, Nuclear safety, Waste management, Reactor instrumentation and Control systems, Thermal hydraulics, Quality assurance, Emergency preparedness, and Advanced Nuclear technologies including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

A key highlight of the programme is the involvement of distinguished faculty members from IITH alongside experienced Scientists and Engineers who have served in leading Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) organisations, including the Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL), and BHAVINI. Many of the experts have played critical roles in the design, manufacturing, operation, and regulation of nuclear power reactors in India.

Speaking on the launch of the programme, Prof. B S Murty, Director, IITH, said: “As India advances towards energy security and sustainable growth, nuclear energy will play an increasingly important role in the country's clean energy future. Through this programme, IITH aims to contribute to capacity building by bringing together academic expertise and industry experience to develop a highly skilled workforce for strategic sectors. The initiative reflects our commitment to creating industry-relevant learning opportunities that address national priorities and future technology needs.”

Commodore R D Mane, President Nuclear, CEEPL said on launch of the Pioneering Programme: “India's Nuclear Renaissance is not a distant ambition; it is happening now, and talent will determine who leads it. With the SHANTI Act unlocking a new era for India's civil nuclear sector, our partnership with IITH is a bold commitment to building nuclear professionals of the highest global calibre, trained by state-of-the-art faculty who bring the frontier of nuclear science into the classroom. As knowledge and technology percolate across the sector, we are equally determined to position India as the world's destination for cost-efficient nuclear equipment manufacturing and services — and that future begins with the people we develop today.”

Participants completing the programme will receive a joint certificate from IITH and Crimson Energy Experts Pvt. Ltd. Beyond technical learning, the programme is expected to create a platform for networking and collaboration among professionals, researchers, industry experts, and policymakers involved in India’s nuclear energy ecosystem.

The launch of NTOP further reinforces IIT Hyderabad’s growing engagement with industry-led professional education programmes and its commitment to supporting national missions through technology, research, and human resource development.

About CEEPL:

Established in 2012, Crimson Energy Experts Private Limited is a niche technology company which operates in three verticals; viz Nuclear, Defence and Artificial Intelligence. The company is among the few companies in India with Nuclear Reactor design capability, having completed the concept design of a Small Modular Reactor and presently progressing a Micro reactor in partnership with IITH and IIT Jammu. Crimson boasts of an elite team of experts drawn from eminent scientists from BARC and NPCIL, with exceptional domain knowledge and vast industry experience. Crimson is rapidly growing and developing into a strategic platform interfacing multiple Nuclear stakeholders including technology providers, design experts, industry stalwarts, manufacturers and investors for Nuclear Projects, in the Nation’s pursuit of ‘AtmaNirbharata’ in Nuclear sector, under the able guidance of DAE and BARC.
About IITH:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17+ years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 588th in the QS World University Ranking 2027 and 270th in QS Asian University Rankings 2026 (123rd global ranking in citations per faculty). IITH has recorded a major leap in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Subject, entering the global Top 400 in Engineering & Technology with a rank of 395, marking a sharp improvement from the 501–550 band in 2025. IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Stanford /Elsevier Global Top 2% Scientists list 2025 across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 345+ full-time Faculty, 355+ non-teaching Staff and 5,720+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5640+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1800+ Cr (Rs. 245+ Cr funding in 2025-26), 13,750+ Publications, 2,76,400+ Citations, 163 h-index, 755 Patents (250 Patents in 2025, i.e., 0.75 patents per faculty in 2025, making it possibly the best Indian institute in terms of patents filed per faculty in a year), and about 300 Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

The thrust areas of research at IITH are: next-generation telecommunications, autonomous navigation, robotics & intelligent systems, semiconductors & devices, additive manufacturing, advanced materials & critical minerals, healthcare, energy, materials characterization, sustainability, climate change, smart mobility, EV technology, catalysis, quantum technologies, AI embedded computational engineering, design, AR/VR, waste management, and rural development.

AGC Launches AAPI Innovation Hub at IIT Hyderabad to Drive India–Japan Digital Transformation and Talent Collaboration

• AGC Asia Pacific India inaugurates AAPI Innovation Hub at IIT Hyderabad Technology Research Park.
• Collaboration to focus on Digital Transformation (DX), Artificial Intelligence, internships, and joint research initiatives.
• Initiative strengthens India–Japan innovation partnership and global industry–academia collaboration.

AGC Asia Pacific India Pvt. Ltd. (AAPI), a group company of Japan-based AGC Inc., inaugurated its AAPI Innovation Hub at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) Technology Research Park (TRP) on Thursday, marking a significant step toward strengthening India–Japan collaboration in digital technologies, innovation, and talent development.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the TRP, IIT Hyderabad, was attended by senior representatives from AGC Inc., AGC Asia Pacific India, IIT Hyderabad, researchers, faculty members, and industry leaders. Key dignitaries included Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad; Mr. Kenichi Takemura, Representative Managing Director, AGC Asia Pacific India Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. Iwakura, General Manager, Digital & Innovation Management Division, AGC Inc.

The newly established AAPI Innovation Hub aims to promote industry–academia collaboration and support the development of Digital Transformation (DX) talent by creating opportunities for internships, collaborative research, and innovation-driven engagements between AGC and IITH students and researchers.

AGC has identified India as a strategic region for advancing Digital Transformation (DX) due to its strong ecosystem of highly skilled Engineering and digital talent. Through the Innovation Hub, AGC plans to work closely with IITH in areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies, advanced engineering solutions, and practical industry-oriented research initiatives.

The collaboration builds upon the existing relationship between AGC Asia Pacific India and IITH, particularly in internship programs and AI-related joint research initiatives. The establishment of the Innovation Hub is expected to further strengthen long-term strategic collaboration and contribute toward global innovation projects involving AGC teams across Japan, Europe, and other international locations.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. B S Murty, Director, IITH, said: “The establishment of the AAPI Innovation Hub at IITH reflects the growing importance of global industry–academia partnerships in driving future technologies and innovation. IITH has consistently focused on translational research, digital technologies, and interdisciplinary innovation, and this collaboration with AGC will create meaningful opportunities for our students, researchers, and faculty to work on real-world global challenges as innovations, research & collaborations in addition to academia are inextricable objectives of our Institute whose purpose is to make indelible impact towards the better Society which is underway. We are happy to strengthen this India–Japan partnership through innovation, research, and talent development.”

Mr. Iwakura, GM of Digital & Innovation Management Div. at AGC, shares during the ceremony, “Starting from a single sheet of flat glass, AGC's materials have continually transformed to meet the needs of each era. To continue creating future materials, the wisdom and talent of IIT Hyderabad's professors and students are essential. AAPI Innovation Hub as a place of co-creation: The Hub is described not merely as a physical room, but as a space where the bright minds of IIT Hyderabad and AGC engineers will collaborate daily—sharing ideas and building prototypes together.”

The AAPI Innovation Hub forms part of AGC Group’s broader global Digital Transformation (DX) strategy under its mid-term management vision, AGC plus-2026, which focuses on integrating digital technologies with manufacturing expertise and fostering globally connected innovation ecosystems.

The initiative further reinforces IIT Hyderabad’s growing position as a hub for international R&D partnerships, deep-tech innovation, and industry-driven research collaborations. With its strong ecosystem of Startups, advanced research centers, and interdisciplinary programs, IITH continues to attract global companies seeking collaborative innovation and talent engagement opportunities in India.

About AGC Group:

AGC Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a global leader in glass, chemicals, ceramics, electronics, and advanced high-tech materials. With operations in nearly 30 countries and a workforce of around 56,000 employees worldwide, the AGC Group is recognized for its century-long legacy of technological innovation and advanced manufacturing solutions.

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17+ years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664th and 270th in the QS World and Asian University Rankings 2026, respectively (among the top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty). IITH has recorded a major leap in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Subject, entering the global Top 400 in Engineering & Technology with a rank of 395, marking a sharp improvement from the 501–550 band in 2025. IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Stanford /Elsevier Global Top 2% Scientists list 2025 across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 340+ full-time Faculty, 360+ non-teaching Staff and 5,720+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5550+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1780 Cr (Rs. 245+ Cr funding in 2025-26), 13,580+ Publications, 2,71,100+ Citations, 161 h-index, 745 Patents (250 Patents in 2025, i.e., 0.75 patents per faculty in 2025, making it possibly the best Indian institute in terms of patents filed per faculty in a year), and about 290 Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

The thrust areas of research at IITH are: next-generation telecommunications, autonomous navigation, robotics & intelligent systems, semiconductors & devices, additive manufacturing, advanced materials & critical minerals, materials characterisation, catalysis, healthcare, energy, sustainability, climate change, smart mobility, EV technology, quantum technologies, computational engineering, design, AR/VR, waste management, and rural development.

IIT Hyderabad, DMRL and Innomet Join Hands for India’s first Indigenous Large-Scale Gas Atomizer Development

• First-of-its-kind industry-driven project in India for indigenous development of a large-scale 100 kg Inert Gas Atomizer.
• Collaboration between IIT Hyderabad, DMRL and Innomet to strengthen India’s advanced materials, defence and Aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
• Facility to enable production of high-performance spherical high quality alloy powders for Aerospace, Defence, Additive Manufacturing, and Strategic applications.
• Project funded by the DRDO-Industry-Academia (DIA) Centre of Excellence at IIT BHU, Varanasi under Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM) of DRDO.

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), in collaboration with the DMRL and Hyderabad-based Innomet Advanced Materials Ltd., has entered into a landmark collaboration for the indigenous development of a large-scale 100 kg Inert Gas Atomizer facility in India. The initiative marks a major step toward strengthening India’s capabilities in advanced powder metallurgy, Aerospace materials, and strategic manufacturing under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The project, titled “Indigenous Development of Large Scale (100 kg) Inert Gas Atomiser,” is being funded by the DRDO-Industry-Academia (DIA) Centre of Excellence at IIT BHU, Varanasi under Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM) of DRDO, with IIT Hyderabad and Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) playing a key technological and research role alongside industry partner Innomet Advanced Materials Ltd.

The initiative aims to establish a state-of-the-art industrial-scale gas atomization facility capable of producing high-purity spherical metal powders required for next-generation Aerospace, Defence, Energy, and Advanced Manufacturing applications. These powders are critical for technologies such as Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), thermal and protective surface coatings, and high-temperature superalloy components used in gas turbine engines and strategic systems. This project is the result of the success of a 10 kg indigenous gas atomiser developed earlier by the same collaborators.

The facility will focus on indigenous production of advanced alloy powders including nickel-based superalloys for Aerospace applications, ferritic and austenitic steels for nuclear and thermal power systems, cobalt-based alloys for protective coatings, and emerging high-entropy alloys.

The large-scale atomizer facility will be established at Innomet’s Hyderabad premises and will also be made available for DRDO and IIT Hyderabad research activities for the next five years after successful project completion, enabling collaborative research and translational technology development.

The project further reinforces growing role of IITH in translational research, advanced manufacturing, and strategic technology development through strong collaborations with national laboratories, academia, and industry partners. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to India’s defence preparedness, Aerospace ecosystem, and high-performance Materials manufacturing capabilities.

The Director, IITH, has hailed this initiative, saying that this collaboration represents a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in Advanced materials and strategic manufacturing technologies. IITH is proud to contribute its expertise in materials research and innovation toward technologies that are critical for national development and future manufacturing.

The industry partner Innomet thanked IIT Hyderabad, IIT BHU, DRDO and DMRL for selecting them as Industry partner for development of Indigenous Gas Atomizer. Innomet is honoured to be a part of this initiative in the direction of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

DMRL, DFTM and DIA CoE at IIT BHU, Varanasi expressed their happiness to support this initiative.

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Opens First India R&D Centre at IIT Hyderabad to Advance EV Power Transfer and API Innovation

• Joint research to focus on wireless power transfer systems for EVs and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
• Facility established at IITH Technology Research Park (TRP) to accelerate industry–academia collaboration
• Initiative to drive commercialisation of advanced technologies for India and global markets

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd. (DNP) inaugurated its first Research & Development (R&D) centre in India at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), marking its second overseas R&D base globally. Located at the IITH Technology Research Park (TRP), the centre will focus on advancing joint research in electric mobility and healthcare, while strengthening India–Japan innovation collaboration and accelerating the development and commercialization of next-generation technologies.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries and representatives from academia, industry, and government, including Mr. Muneo Takahashi, Consul General of Japan; Mr. Osamu Nakamura, Senior Managing Director, DNP; and Prof. B S Murty, Director, IITH, along with senior representatives from Japanese organisations and partner institutions.

The newly established centre will drive joint research initiatives between IITH and DNP in priority areas such as wireless power transfer systems for electric vehicles (EVs) and development of synthesis routes for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)—both critical to sustainable mobility and affordable healthcare.

Located within the IITH TRP, the facility is designed to enable seamless collaboration between academia and industry, combining IITH’s research strengths and talent ecosystem with DNP’s advanced technological capabilities to accelerate innovation and real-world implementation.

Hyderabad’s emergence as a hub for Mobility innovation, Pharmaceuticals, Semiconductors, and Advanced Manufacturing further strengthens the strategic relevance of this collaboration, with potential to expand into Middle East and African markets.

In the mobility domain, the centre will focus on the design, development, and demonstration of wireless power transfer systems for EVs, while in healthcare, it will advance process development and scalable synthesis of APIs, enabling faster translation from research to manufacturing and global deployment.

Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, said, "The inauguration of DNP’s R&D centre at IITH marks an important step in strengthening global industry–academia collaboration. This partnership brings together cutting-edge industrial technology and academic research to address critical challenges in mobility and healthcare. It also reinforces the role of IITH as a hub for translational research and innovation aligned with national priorities and global needs.”

Senior Managing Director Osamu Nakamura, DNP said, "As DNP marks its 150th anniversary, establishing this new R&D Centre at IIT Hyderabad is important for us to create future standards. Here, we will learn IIT Hyderabad’s expertise and combine it with DNP’s strengths to create new businesses in India, starting with mobility and healthcare. We look forward to strengthening a long-term partnership and contributing to the growing relationship between India and Japan.”

The collaboration is expected to further promote talent development, knowledge exchange, and joint innovation programs, offering students and researchers opportunities to work on globally relevant technologies, while deepening the India–Japan partnership in research and technology.

With this initiative, IIT Hyderabad continues to expand its Technology Research Park ecosystem, attracting leading global companies and enabling a collaborative environment that bridges research, development, and commercialization.

About DNP:

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP), established in 1876, is a leading global company that leverages print-based and advanced material technologies to create innovative solutions across diverse sectors. The company has strong expertise in microfabrication and precision coating technologies, enabling it to serve industries such as electronics, display technologies, optical films, mobility, and healthcare, while contributing to sustainability and global innovation.

About IITH:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17+ years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664th and 270th in the QS World and Asian University Rankings 2026, respectively (among the top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty). IITH has recorded a major leap in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Subject, entering the global Top 400 in Engineering & Technology with a rank of 395, marking a sharp improvement from the 501–550 band in 2025. IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Stanford /Elsevier Global Top 2% Scientists list 2025 across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 340+ full-time Faculty, 360+ non-teaching Staff and 5,720+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5470+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1770 Cr (Rs. 245+ Cr funding in 2025-26), 13,300+ Publications, 2,64,400+ Citations, 160 h-index, 730 Patents (250 Patents in 2025, i.e., 0.75 patents per faculty in 2025, making it possibly the best Indian institute in terms of patents filed per faculty in a year), and about 280+ Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

IIT Hyderabad and Mahindra University Collaborate on Critical Minerals, AI in Mining, and Start-up Incubation

• Collaboration to advance research, education, and innovation in Critical Minerals, Mining technologies, and Sustainable industrial processes
• Mahindra University to serve as a SPOKE Institute for IIT Hyderabad’s Centre of Excellence in Critical Minerals
• Focus on Mining 4.0, AI-driven Mining, Autonomous Systems, and Start-up incubation aligned with national priorities

Mahindra University and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) have entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term partnership in research, education, training, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on Critical Minerals, Sustainable Mining, and Advanced industrial processes.

The collaboration aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in Critical Mineral exploration and processing—an area of growing national importance—by combining Mahindra University’s interdisciplinary academic approach with IIT Hyderabad’s strong research ecosystem. The partnership will span frontier domains including Iron ore beneficiation, Coal and mineral processing, Ironmaking and Steelmaking, Mining waste utilisation for infrastructure, extraction of Critical and Rare Earth Minerals, and Process modelling and simulation.

Beyond conventional mining research, the MoU also covers emerging areas such as AI and data analytics in Mining, Mining 4.0, Autonomous systems including Drones and Self-driving vehicles, and Incubation support for Start-ups and Innovators. These efforts are designed to translate advanced research into scalable technologies and skilled human capital for India’s Mineral and Manufacturing sectors.

Under the agreement, Mahindra University will function as a SPOKE institute for a Centre of Excellence (CoE) at IIT Hyderabad, enabling structured collaboration between faculty, researchers, and students of both institutions. The engagement will be operationalised through joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and shared access to laboratories and academic infrastructure.

The Ministry of Mines, GoI, has recognized 7 institutes – 4 IITs and 3 R&D Labs – as Centres of Excellence (CoE) under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and IIT Hyderabad is one among the 4 IITs. The recognition of CoEs is an important step for fulfilling a key objective of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), which is research and technology development in Critical Minerals.

Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University, said that the collaboration directly addresses national priorities related to India’s Critical Mineral mission and promotes sustainable, indigenous technological solutions through research-led education.

Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, noted that India’s transition towards self-reliance in Critical Minerals and resource-efficient industrial processes requires sustained academic collaboration. He said the partnership would expand IITH’s research and training ecosystem, enabling multidisciplinary engagement and the translation of scientific knowledge into real-world technologies and skilled manpower.

The MoU places strong emphasis on capacity building and skill development, with planned initiatives including specialised training programmes for Mining professionals, elective and certificate courses in the Critical Minerals sector, a proposed master’s programme in Minerals and Coal processing, and short-duration programmes for working professionals. The collaboration also envisages seed support and incubation for Start-ups and MSMEs, along with engagement with venture capital firms to support commercialisation of research outcomes.

Designed as a long-term engagement governed by the academic frameworks of both institutions, the partnership seeks to advance knowledge, nurture skilled professionals, and support Atmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening India’s leadership in Critical Minerals and Sustainable industrial technologies.

About Mahindra University:

Mahindra University, Hyderabad (India), is a multidisciplinary, private university with a vision of “Educating future citizens for and of a better world”. It aims to play a significant role in driving globally acclaimed innovation in higher education in the coming years. Mahindra University’s special focus is on generating new knowledge through engagement in cutting-edge research, creating a spirit of research and discovery, experiential learning and entrepreneurship, whilst forging collaborations with industry and global academic institutions. The university is established by the Mahindra Group, one of the largest and most admired multinational federations of companies with presence in over 100 countries and with a turnover of over 25 billion.

The group, built on 80 years of legacy, has more than 3,24,000 employees globally. Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., its flagship company, is a global leader in mobility products and farm solutions and is the world's largest tractor company by volume. It is also India’s #1 tractor company, #1 electric 3-wheeler company, with strong businesses across financial services and IT services worldwide.

About IIT Hyderabad:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17 years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664th and 270th in the QS World and Asian University Rankings 2026, respectively (among the top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty). IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Global Top 2% Scientists World list 2025 released by Stanford University (SU) in collaboration with Elsevier across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 340+ full-time Faculty, 360 non-teaching Staff and 5,700+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5260+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1650+ Cr (Rs. 335+ Cr funding in 2024-25, i.e. Rs. 1+ Cr per Faculty, one of the largest per capita funding among IITs), 12,890+ Publications, 2,48,580+ Citations, 154 h-index, 710+ Patents (250 Patents in 2025, making it 0.75 patents per faculty in 2025), and about 335+ Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

Telangana IT Minister Inaugurates Elan & nVision 2026, South India’s Largest Techno-Cultural Fest at IIT Hyderabad

Highlights

• Festival kickoff: Elan & nVision 2026 at IIT Hyderabad marks the 17th edition of South India’s largest student-run techno-cultural festival.
• Scale: Over 30,000 students participate across three days of technology competitions, innovation showcases, and cultural performances.
• Headliners & summit: Shri Mohit Chauhan performs; debut of nVisionX’26 Tech Summit focused on Sustainability and Green Energy.

Elan & nVision 2026, the 17th edition of IIT Hyderabad’s flagship techno-cultural festival and South India’s largest student-run fest, was inaugurated today in the Institute by the Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Government of Telangana, Sri D. Sridhar Babu. The three-day festival, being held from January 9 to 11, 2026 brings together over 30,000 Students, Innovators, Artists, and Young Entrepreneurs from across the country, featuring high-impact technology competitions, innovation showcases, cultural performances and thought-provoking dialogues that reflect IIT Hyderabad’s vibrant student ecosystem.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Minister Sri D. Sridhar Babu said:

“______________________________”

A Celebration of Technology, Culture and Youthful Innovation, guided by this year’s powerful theme, “The Last Ronin,” Elan & nVision 2026 symbolises resilience, independence and the relentless pursuit of excellence—values that resonate deeply with India’s next generation of innovators and leaders. The theme reflects the spirit of standing strong, forging new paths, and blending creativity with purpose.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, said: “Elan & nVision embodies the spirit of IIT Hyderabad—where technology, creativity and culture come together to shape responsible innovators. The festival provides a platform for students to think beyond classrooms, collaborate across disciplines, and transform ideas into impactful solutions, aligned with our ethos of Inventing and Innovating in Technology for Humanity. This event happening subsequent to Innovation Day, first-ever Inter-IIT UG Innovation Meet (RISE 2026) conducted in our Institute very recently”

 

The inauguration ceremony featured a vibrant cultural programme, including a Kuchipudi dance performance by Nrityangana, Guinness World Records holders, celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage alongside contemporary student creativity.

High-Energy Competitions and Star Performances: Elan & nVision 2026 features an extensive lineup of technical competitions and innovation challenges:

• Tech competitions: Robotics contests, Hackathons, Enigma CTF, Design challenges.
• Hands-on workshops: Electric Vehicles, Generative AI, Robotics, and Cybersecurity.
• Outcomes: Engage with emerging technologies and real-world problem-solving for students from IITs and other institutions.

The cultural segment includes competitions in Dance, Music, Drama, Fine Arts and Literature, along with immersive performances by IIT Hyderabad’s student clubs and visiting college teams.

Adding star power to the celebrations, renowned Bollywood playback singer Shri Mohit Chauhan will headline the festival’s musical evenings, along with performances by Mr. Pranav Sharma, Mr. Anuj Rehan, Ms DJ Tasha, Ms. Shreya Baruah, The Deccan Project and Rapper Shivam, offering a dynamic mix of Bollywood, Indie, Electronic and Hip-Hop music.

nVisionX’26: A new tech summit on sustainability

A major highlight this year is the launch of nVisionX’26, a first-of-its-kind technology summit under Elan & nVision, scheduled for January 10, 2026. Focused on “Sustainability and Green Energy,” the summit brings together experts, innovators and young technologists to discuss solutions for Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development—reinforcing IIT Hyderabad’s leadership in socially relevant innovation.

With thousands of participants, cutting-edge competitions, cultural showcases and knowledge-driven dialogues, Elan & nVision 2026 once again positions IIT Hyderabad as a national hub where technology meets creativity, and ideas evolve into impact.

About Elan & nVision

Elan & nVision is the annual techno-cultural festival of IIT Hyderabad, now in its 17th edition, and is widely recognised as South India’s largest student-run festival. The fest uniquely integrates technology (nVision) and culture (Elan), offering platforms across Engineering, Innovation, Arts and Performance. Over the years, it has grown into a landmark event in the Indian collegiate calendar.

For updates, follow Elan & nVision on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.

For more details, visit: https://elan.org.in/

About IIT Hyderabad:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in Academics, Research, Technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17 years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664th and 270th in the QS World and Asian University Rankings 2026, respectively (among the top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty). IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Global Top 2% Scientists World list 2025 released by Stanford University (SU) in collaboration with Elsevier across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 340+ full-time Faculty, 360 non-teaching Staff and 5,700+ Students (PG+PhD Students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5260+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1650+ Cr (Rs. 335+ Cr funding in 2024-25, i.e. Rs. 1+ Cr per Faculty, one of the largest per capita funding among IITs), 12,890+ Publications, 2,48,580+ Citations, 154 h-index, 710+ Patents (249 Patents in 2025, making it 0.74 patents per faculty), and about 335+ Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr). 

AI & ML to Power Rajasthan’s Mineral Exploration: State Partners with IIT Hyderabad

• Rajasthan Govt. engages IIT Hyderabad to build AI-driven mineral exploration system. 
• Rajasthan state ties up with IIT-Hyderabad to deploy AI & ML for critical mineral mapping across its 39 districts. 
• IIT-Hyderabad to develop advanced AI mineral prediction platform for Rajasthan in ₹ 8.5+ Cr partnership.

In a major step toward modernising India’s mineral exploration ecosystem, the Government of Rajasthan signed an ₹ 8.5+ Cr MoU with IIT Hyderabad (IITH) during the Pravasi Rajasthani Divas 2025 held at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre. The agreement, finalised in the presence of the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Union Minister of Coal and Mines and Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, aims to develop an AI- and ML-driven predictive system for identifying critical and strategic minerals across the state. The partnership positions Rajasthan among the first states in India to deploy advanced computational geoscience tools for mineral intelligence and exploration planning.

Under this collaboration, IITH will build a comprehensive prediction model that integrates geological, geochemical, geophysical and multispectral satellite datasets from 39 districts to generate AI-based mineral prospectivity maps. The system will help identify potential zones for minerals such as lithium, copper, graphite, zinc, nickel, cobalt, rare earth elements and other critical resources, supporting the state’s long-term mineral development strategy. The project will be executed in four phases over 18 months, with district-wise analytics, data dashboards and decision-support tools delivered to Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust (RSMET).

Speaking about the initiative, T. Ravikant, Principal Secretary, Department of Mines, Geology & Petroleum, Government of Rajasthan, said: “The state will apply AI and ML for the exploration of critical and strategic minerals under the national programmes of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India. This initiative marks a major advancement in how Rajasthan will identify and utilise its mineral wealth."

On the collaboration with IITH, he added: “A letter of intent has been signed between RSMET and IITH for data exchange and modelling. The project with IITH will be completed in four phases over about 18 months, and its outcome is expected to support a mineral development model and a long-term road map for the state."

Welcoming the partnership, Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IITH, who was present during the exchange of the MoU, said: “This collaboration brings IITH into the mainstream of India’s critical mineral and resource intelligence mission. By combining advanced AI/ML techniques with geoscience, we are creating tools that will help India become a global leader in exploration technologies. This MoU aligns with our commitment to build solutions for Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthen the nation’s technological leadership in mineral exploration for the future along with the ongoing relevant projects of the Institute like Australia-India Critical Minerals Research Hub (AICMRH) Bilateral Project, CoE on Critical Minerals as complete indigenization of manufacturing sector in our country is mainly dependent on availability of all kinds of minerals locally within our country.

This project will be led by Dr. C. Krishna Mohan, Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with Critical Mineral Trackers, a startup based at the Technology Research Park at IIT Hyderabad. The initiative is expected to reshape mineral exploration practices in Rajasthan, accelerate the discovery of critical minerals vital for India’s clean energy and manufacturing goals, and create a scalable AI-driven model that can be adopted by other states. With global demand for lithium, rare earth elements, and battery metals rising sharply, officials believe this effort positions both Rajasthan and India strategically within the future mineral supply chain.

About IIT Hyderabad:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development and startups in a short span of 17 years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first generation IIT), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664 and 270 in the QS World and Asian University Ranking 2026, respectively (among the top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty). IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Global Top 2% Scientists World list 2025 released by Stanford University (SU) in collaboration with Elsevier across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)"

With 340 full-time faculty, 360+ non-teaching staff and 5,700+ students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5210+ R&D projects worth of Rs. 1640+ Cr (Rs. 335+ Cr funding in 2024-25, i.e. Rs. 1+ Cr per faculty, one of the largest per capita funding among IITs), 12,750+ publications, 2,44,300+ citations, 154 h-index, 630+ patents (210+ Patents in 2024, the largest per capita patents filed among IITs), and about 335+ Startups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

About Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust (RSMET)

The Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust (RSMET) is a dedicated entity under the Department of Mines & Geology, Government of Rajasthan, established to promote systematic, scientific, and technology-driven mineral exploration across the state. The Trust is mandated to undertake high-priority exploration of critical, strategic, and deep-seated minerals, support advanced geoscientific studies, and facilitate resource assessment for future mining projects. RSMET plays a key role in strengthening Rajasthan’s mineral sector by funding and coordinating exploration activities, adopting modern techniques such as remote sensing, geophysical surveys, and predictive modelling, and enabling the state to build a long-term roadmap for mineral security and sustainable development.

Granules India Expands R&D Footprint with Two CoEs at IIT Hyderabad for Peptides and Particle Engineering

Granules India Limited today inaugurated two advanced Centres of Excellence at the Technology Research Park of IIT Hyderabad: the Ascelis Center of Excellence for Peptide Development and Characterization and the Granules Center of Excellence for Particle Engineering.

The inauguration was led by Dr Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman and Managing Director, Granules India, Mrs. Uma Chigurupati, Executive Director, Granules India Limited & Prof. B S Murty, Director, IITH

Ascelis Center of Excellence for Peptide Development and Characterization, established under Ascelis Peptides, the CDMO arm of Granules, this Centre will drive the development of cosmetic, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical peptides. It is Ascelis’ first development and characterization facility in India and is equipped for primary, secondary, and tertiary structure characterization. The Center brings advanced analytical and process development capabilities in-house and will work in collaboration with our Swiss-based R&D facility Senn Chemicals, strengthening the group’s integrated global peptide offering and reducing reliance on external partners.

Granules Center of Excellence for Particle Engineering, This Centre will advance polymorph research, material science, and novel drug delivery systems, including amorphous solid dispersions. It replaces earlier external and ad-hoc development with a dedicated research platform that enables first-to-file opportunities, enhances formulation performance, and supports the creation of proprietary technologies for regulated markets.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman and Managing Director, Granules India, said: “Scientific excellence and rigorous research have always shaped our long-term strategy at Granules. The launch of these Centres of Excellence significantly strengthens our capabilities in peptides and advanced material sciences, areas that will define the next wave of pharmaceutical innovation. With specialised infrastructure and deep scientific expertise, we are enhancing our CDMO ambitions, accelerating breakthrough development, and building differentiated technologies that elevate our global competitiveness and deliver meaningful value to our partners and patients worldwide.”

About Granules India Ltd. (BSE: 532482, NSE: GRANULES)

Granules India Limited, incorporated in 1991 is a vertically integrated fast growing Indian pharmaceutical company headquartered at Hyderabad with best-in-class facilities and commitment to operational excellence, quality, and customer service. We are among the few pharmaceutical companies in the world to be present in the manufacturing of entire value chain – from Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Pharmaceutical Formulation Intermediates (PFIs), Finished Dosages (FDs) and Peptides CDMO. Our products are being distributed to over 300+ customers in regulated and semi-regulated markets with a global presence extending to over 80+ countries with offices across India, US and Switzerland. The Company has 11 manufacturing facilities out of which 8 are in India, 2 in the USA and 1 in Switzerland and has regulatory approvals from US FDA, EDQM, EU GMP, COFEPRIS, WHO GMP, TGA, K FDA, DEA, MCC, and HALAL. For more information about Granules India Ltd and its initiatives, please visit www.granulesindia.com

IIT Hyderabad Opens Registrations for Certificate Course in VLSI Chip Design in Collaboration with TCS iON

• Launch of New Program: IIT Hyderabad's Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), in collaboration with TCS iON, has launched a new online certification program titled "VLSI Chip Design."
• Industry-Aligned Initiative: The program aims to bridge the skill gap in the specialized and market- relevant Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) sector within the electronics and semiconductor industries.
• Program Start Date: The 45-hour certification program will commence on October 8, 2025, with enrolments opening soon with affordable fee.

The Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with TCS iON, announces the launch of a new industry-aligned online certification program titled "VLSI Chip Design."

This program marks a significant step in addressing the growing skill gap in the specialized and rapidly evolving domain of Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) within the electronics and semiconductor industries. Designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals, the course aims to equip learners with both foundational concepts and advanced competencies essential for future-ready careers. An exclusive highlight of the program is the immersive IITH Bootcamp, which offers hands-on learning in core areas of Analog Chip Design and Digital IC Design.

The comprehensive 45-hour certification program is set to commence on October 8, 2025, with enrolments opening shortly. The program is meticulously designed to provide in-depth knowledge of Analog Chip Design and Digital IC Design. The program is led by esteemed IITH faculty members: Prof. Ashudeb Dutta (EE), Dr. C.H. Gajendranath Chaudhury (EE), Dr. Abhishek Kumar (EE), Dr. Rajesh Kedia (CSE), and Dr. Kapil Jainwal (EE).

Prof. B.S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad said "At IIT Hyderabad, we are committed to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry demands. The launch of this VLSI Chip Design certification program, in collaboration with TCS iON, is a step towards empowering professionals with the skills required to thrive in the fast-evolving semiconductor and electronics sectors. We believe this initiative will contribute significantly to building a strong talent pipeline for India’s growing VLSI and chip design ecosystem."

Prof. Amirtham Rajagopal, Chair of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at IIT Hyderabad, said, "This program reflects our commitment at CCE to delivering high-impact, application-oriented learning experiences. By integrating academic rigor with hands-on training through the IITH Bootcamp, we aim to ensure that participants not only gain deep technical knowledge but are also well-prepared to contribute effectively to the VLSI industry from day one."

For Registration and more details : VLSI Chip Design Certificate Programme by IIT Hyderabad

About TCS iON:

TCS iON is a strategic unit of Tata Consultancy Services, focused on empowering individuals and organizations with tech-led education. Leveraging its unique ‘Phygital’ platforms that blend digital and physical learning experiences, TCS iON provides multi-modal, skills-based learning for various stakeholders—including students, schools, universities, corporates, and skilling institutes. For more, visit www.tcsion.com

About CCE – IIT Hyderabad

The Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) aims to conduct training programs for students, academicians, and working professionals across the country. The young and energetic faculty of IIT Hyderabad are dedicated to providing learning opportunities that contribute to the professional growth of participants. With the rapid rise in e-learning, CCE @ IIT Hyderabad continues to stay ahead by offering flexible online programs that accommodate the work schedules of busy professionals.

About IIT Hyderabad:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in Academics, Research, Technology development and Startups in a short span of 17 years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), IITH has bagged at 3rd in Innovation and 8th among Engineering institutes in the last two consecutive years, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664 in QS World University Ranking-2026 (among top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty) and among the top 10 Engineering Institutes in India. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 331+ full-time Faculty and 5,200+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with ~ 4990+ Projects worth of Rs. 1590+ Cr of R&D funding (Rs. 335+ Cr funding in 2024-25, i.e. Rs. 1+ Cr per faculty), 12,100+ Publications, 2,25,000+ Citations, 560+ Patents (210+ Patents in 2024 and a commitment to “Patent a Day: Mission 365” for 2025 to earn 365 Patents by the end of 2025), and about 320+ Startups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

IIT Hyderabad, Department of Posts, and NRSC (ISRO) Collaborate to Launch DIGIPIN: A National-Scale Geospatial Addressing System for India

• Compactness: Short and efficient codes for ease of use.
• Geographic Precision: Ability to extract exact latitude and longitude coordinates.
• Inclusivity: Coverage for all parts of India, including densely populated and remote regions.
• Privacy: DIGIPIN carries no personal information.
• Future-readiness: Scalable and adaptable for future needs.

In a landmark move to revolutionize India’s addressing infrastructure, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), in collaboration with the Department of Posts and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO, Government of India, has developed DIGIPIN – an open-source, machine-interpretable geospatial addressing system designed to provide precise and standardised digital addresses across the country.

Traditional descriptive addresses in India suffer from a lack of uniformity and machine-readability, causing inefficiencies in postal and logistics operations. DIGIPIN aims to transform this system by introducing a geo-coded, digital public infrastructure (DPI) layer for India’s physical addressing landscape.

DIGIPIN is a compact, intuitive, and human-readable geohash, capable of encoding the latitude and longitude of any point of interest in India, from urban households to remote maritime locations. The system is designed for offline usability, privacy, and robustness, making it suitable for diverse applications including e-commerce, emergency response, and public service delivery.

Dr Shashank Vatedka

 DIGIPIN is the outcome of a dedicated research effort by a team of faculty from the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Hyderabad, Dr Shashank Vatedka, Prof Soumya Jana and Dr Lakshmi Prasad Natarajan, along with Tarandeep Singh, a former MTech (AI) student. Their work has produced a geohashing scheme that encapsulates geographic coordinates into short, intuitive codes, which can be extracted even offline using location-enabled devices.

Prof. Soumya Jana

Dr Lakshmi Prasad Natarajan

Prof. B S Murty, Director of IITH, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “DIGIPIN represents a leap towards the vision of a digitally empowered India. By converting every location into a simple, verifiable, and interoperable digital code, we are laying the foundation for an address infrastructure that can scale with our nation’s growing technological and societal needs. IITH is proud to contribute to this national initiative that blends open-source innovation, geospatial intelligence, and public service and this can be considered a revolution in the field of Navigation.”

Dr. Shashank Vatedka, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, IITH, mentioned that, “DIGIPIN will provide immense convenience to Indian residents and all stakeholders by succinctly and precisely representing a physical address. For instance, it could be represented as a QR code or a barcode and printed on consignments for machine-based routing; DIGIPIN could be easily stored and communicated using digital wallets.

Dr. Lakshmi Prasad Natarajan, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, IITH, mentioned that, “The idea was to make it as easy as possible to automatically assign codes and start using DIGIPIN with as little manual intervention as possible. In many cases, finding one’s DIGIPIN would be possible using only a device with a reasonably good location service (such as a smartphone) and an app equipped with a high-resolution map.”

Dr. Soumya Jana, Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, IITH, mentioned that “The applicability of DIGIPIN could be wider, going beyond the primary use as a digitization technology for conventional addressing. They could be used in scenarios where conventional addresses are inconsistent or not available, such as emergency response services, locating public service centres/utilities such as Health camps, Aadhar enrollment offices, and so on.”

DIGIPIN is a geohashing scheme designed to have the following features:

• The length of the DIGIPIN is designed to be as small as possible in order to provide an efficient digital representation of addresses.
• It contains the geographic location of the address. It is possible to extract the latitude and longitude of the address from the DIGIPIN with low complexity. This can also be done offline.
• All points of interest to India (including maritime regions) are assigned DIGIPIN, and it is possible to assign a unique DIGIPIN to very densely populated areas.
• The format of the DIGIPIN is intuitive and human-readable. An effort was made to infuse a sense of directionality within the format of DIGIPIN.
• Ease of code assignment and usability: A crucial point of consideration was to make it as easy as possible to automatically assign codes and start using DIGIPIN with as little manual intervention as possible. In many cases, finding one’s DIGIPIN would be possible using only a device with a reasonably good location service (such as a smartphone) and an app equipped with a high-resolution map.

DIGIPIN only encodes geographical information and contains no personal details that could lead to privacy violations.

DIGIPIN is designed to be robust to future developments and changes.