IIT Madras hosts Delta Expo 2026, students showcase innovations, startups on AI, robotics, aerospace

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras showcased student projects and startup ideas at Delta Expo 2026, the institute’s innovation and startup exhibition held on March 14 and 15, 2026, on its campus. Organised by the school of innovation and entrepreneurship, the two-day expo features more than 45 student innovation teams from the Centre for Innovation (CFI), the institute’s student-run technical body, along with over 30 early-stage startups supported by Nirmaan, the institute’s pre-incubation programme.

Visitors at the expo can explore live demonstrations of technologies and engineering prototypes spanning robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, aerospace, electronics, product design and sustainability.

Several successful startups have emerged from this ecosystem, including ather energy, galaxeye, arctus aerospace, inbound aerospace and folium sensing. Many of these ventures have secured funding and gained recognition for their innovations.

The event was inaugurated by Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Tamil Nadu, in the presence of IIT Madras director V Kamakoti, faculty members and students.

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IIT Madras: Innovation beyond laboratories

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said innovation should move beyond laboratories and reach people, contributing to the development of the country and society. “This whole journey of Viksit Bharat is not possible without your presence, contribution and expertise. You are all partners to this vision. For you, innovation is not only working in labs but you have to come out and put your ideas before the people. You are working not only for yourself but it is for the people of this State, the country and for the overall humanity.”

IIT Madras director V Kamakoti said, "I am extremely pleased to note the Himalayan growth of Centre for Innovation (CFI) and Nirmaan, our pre-incubator, with a target of incubating at least 100 deep tech startups every year. The role of these organisations are pivotal in achieving these targets."

During the event, the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the IIT Madras Incubation Cell announced a partnership with several institutions to launch “Translation Endeavors.” which aims to help convert science-based research into market-ready ventures through acceleration support, seed funding, infrastructure access and technical expertise. Initial focus areas include decarbonisation, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.

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IIT Madras: Growing startup ecosystem

According to IIT Madras, the Nirmaan programme has supported 268 startup teams so far, with more than 45 ventures graduating from the programme. Meanwhile, the Centre for Innovation hosts 14 clubs and eight competition teams that have together filed 35 patents. Startups supported through Nirmaan have contributed another 67 patent filings.

IIT Madras student teams have also performed well in international competitions. The Avishkar Hyperloop team ranked first in Asia and fourth globally at the European Hyperloop Week, while Raftar secured second place at the Formula Bharat competition.

Delta Expo celebrates the spirit of “Delta (δ)”, a scientific symbol representing change and transformation, reflecting how student ideas evolve into technological solutions and new startups.