IIT Delhi Open House 2026 showcases 500 research projects; over 4,500 visitors attend 19th edition

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) organised the 19th edition of its annual Open House on October 31, 2026, showcasing more than 500 technological presentations, research projects and innovations to students, academia, industry representatives and other visitors. The event witnessed the participation of approximately 3,000 school and college students and over 1,500 other visitors.

Binay Kumar Das, Director General, Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Government of India, inaugurated the event as the chief guest. Arvind Kumar Nema, officiating director and deputy director of operations at IIT Delhi, and other senior officials attended the inauguration.

The Open House 2026 featured research posters, technology demonstrations, laboratory displays, expert talks and startup presentations. The projects covered 10 thematic areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science, Quantum Technologies, Semiconductors, Robotics, Advanced Materials, Optics and Photonics, Biotechnology, Sustainability, and Defence and Space.

According to IIT Delhi, the event featured over 100 prototype and innovative project demonstrations, more than 225 research posters, over 80 laboratory demonstrations and over 90 three-minute research talks by undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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DRDO chief highlights role of young researchers

Addressing students during the inaugural session, chief guest Binay Kumar Das delivered a talk titled 'Young Minds, Strong Nation'. He highlighted the importance of scientific curiosity and encouraged students to pursue research and technological innovation.

He said initiatives such as the IIT Delhi Open House give young students an opportunity to understand advanced research and technological developments and motivate them to contribute to the country's progress.

“I must thank all of you here for creating such wonderful students out of this institute who have been instrumental in building this great India. I must compliment for this great occasion of Open House to really bring so many budding future architects of my country, to get them inspired for the nation building. It's a great program, which I could come across in my life,” Das said.

He also stressed the need for collaboration between academic institutions, national research and development organisations and industry to develop indigenous technologies and convert research into practical applications.

Referring to the Defence, Industry, Academia-Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE), he highlighted its role in promoting collaboration between academic institutions and DRDO to address strategic technology requirements.

Das also urged students to remain connected with India's culture and traditions while pursuing opportunities abroad.

“Never forget your roots. You come from India. You are a child of this nation. Carry India's culture and traditions with you wherever you go and never forget them,” he said.

He further encouraged students to contribute to the country's development and said they should carry India's identity and values wherever they go.

IIT Delhi highlights research and innovation at Open House

Arvind Kumar Nema, officiating director and deputy director of operations at IIT Delhi, said the annual Open House provides an opportunity for the institute to showcase its academic and research facilities to the public.

“Through our annual Open House, IIT Delhi opens its academic and research facilities to the public, showcasing how higher education bridges the gap between learning, innovation, and industry to inspire future scientific leaders,” Nema said.

Gufran Sayeed Khan, Chairperson of Open House 2026, said the 19th edition received an encouraging response from school and college students, industry representatives and the wider public.

He said the event highlighted IIT Delhi's contributions to science, technology and nation-building through interactive demonstrations and presentations of innovations developed by its faculty members, students and startups.

Ashwini Agrawal, Dean of Research and Development at IIT Delhi, said the institute's research ecosystem focuses on developing technological solutions to societal challenges through interdisciplinary research, industry partnerships and national and international collaborations.

He added that the Open House provides a platform to make research and innovation accessible to society and encourages young students to explore science and technology.

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IIT Delhi alumni evaluate student research projects

The IIT Delhi Alumni Association (IITDAA) has been associated with the Open House initiative and sponsors the Research and Innovation (R&I) Awards for outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate projects.

At the 2026 edition, 43 IIT Delhi alumni served as jury members and evaluated student research posters, presentations and live demonstrations across the 10 thematic areas. They interacted with students and assessed their projects and innovations.

The event was organised under the guidance of Gufran Sayeed Khan, Chairperson, Open House 2026; Sudarsan Ghosh and Sanjay Dhir, Co-Chairpersons; Ashwini Agrawal, Dean of R&D; and Sunil Jha, Associate Dean of R&D.

Nearly 1,200 IIT Delhi students participated in various event-related activities. Faculty members and institute staff also supported the organisation of the event.

The 19th edition of the Open House reaffirmed IIT Delhi's focus on promoting research, innovation and collaboration between academic institutions, industry and the wider community.