Exhibition of innovative research and product development at IIT Delhi

NEW DELHI, APRIL 23: IIT Delhi had organised the 15th Open House exhibition for demonstration of new and ongoing research work to the school & college students and other citizens recently. 

The idea was to inspire and motivate especially the young students towards science and provide them with exposure to the latest research and innovation activities at IIT Delhi, which is impacting the society and industry.

The one-day event provided an insight into path-breaking research work, new initiatives, student projects and the advanced facilities and laboratories, which have been established at IIT Delhi. This year more than 3500 students from about 100 schools attended the Open House.

Speaking on the occasion of Open House 2019, Prof V. Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi, said: "It is important to expose children to some of these research activities early on. They may not understand everything, but they will have life long memories of what they see or hear during their day-long interactions and visits to the research labs. Sometimes it is these small triggers or casual interactions that shape one's future career. Open House organized by IIT Delhi is designed to trigger this imagination and give children these life-changing moments. The entire campus comes together to organize this event. Our students and Faculty also learn from the probing questions the young and the unconditioned minds ask. It is a win-win for all".

The students witnessed more than 60 demonstrations presenting the ongoing research from the various departments of IIT Delhi and about 300 posters in the area of health, energy, clean air & water, artificial intelligence, robotics, and nanotechnology.

One of the major highlights was the Boeing-IIT National Aeromodelling Competition, where 12 best light-weight aircraft designs were displayed. The students were mesmerized by the manoeuvres and tricks that were performed by the budding designers and aeroplane enthusiasts.

IIT Delhi Alumni Association has declared a cash reward of Rs.1.8 lakhs to be given to the best-selected research posters and demonstrations evaluated by the alumni committee. The visitors found the lectures on “Nanotechnology”, “The science of mind and intelligence”, “Why should I study a Bachelor’s degree in Design from IIT Delhi?”, and “Why should you become an Engineer?” very interesting and motivating.

Recently, two organisations released the list of 300+ unicorns (start-ups valued more than 1 Billion US $) of the world. As per this data, from the 21 unicorns founded in India or by Indians abroad, 11 unicorns are founded by IIT Delhi Alumni.

Institute also initiated a new programme of Multi-Institutional and Faculty Interdisciplinary Research Programme with faculty within the institute and with other institutes viz. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), and National Institute for Immunology (NII). About 80 such projects are in progress.