IIT Madras showcases 15 startups and five deep-tech research projects including Hyperloop, lab-grown diamonds, 5G/6G at Bharat Innovates 2026 in France, leading Blue Economy and Next-Generation Communications themes.
IIT Madras Presents Deep-Tech Innovations at International Technology Showcase in France
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) showcased a range of deep-tech innovations, strategic research initiatives, and incubated startups at ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’, an international technology showcase in France, the institute said. The event, being organised by the Ministry of Education in France, aims to identify, mentor, and showcase some of India’s most promising technology ventures emerging from higher educational institutions and centrally funded technical institutes.
According to IIT Madras, the event connects Indian innovators with a global audience comprising investors, policymakers, industry leaders, research institutions, and technology partners. IIT Madras leads two of the 13 thematic areas at the event and showcases 15 startups incubated at the institute. The institute’s pavilion features five major research projects highlighting India’s capabilities in deep-tech innovation and indigenous technology development.
Five Major Research Projects Highlight India’s Deep-Tech Capabilities
The pavilion features five major research projects including Hyperloop technology, lab-grown diamond technologies, 5G and 6G communications, port automation, and a domain-specific low-compute indigenous AI ecosystem. These projects demonstrate India’s technological advancement across transportation, materials science, telecommunications, infrastructure automation, and artificial intelligence.
Highlighting the significance of the event, IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti said the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and Bharat Innovates 2026 are expected to create new opportunities for collaboration between IIT Madras and French universities, research laboratories, startups, and industries. “The event opens up opportunities for joint research in 6G technologies, shared testbeds, standards development, startup partnerships, technology transfer, and talent exchange programmes,” he said.
IIT Madras Leads Blue Economy and Next-Generation Communications Thematic Areas
IIT Madras leads the Blue Economy and Next-Generation Communications thematic areas at the event. The communications segment showcases startups such as REIO Systems, Astrome Technologies, and WiSig Networks, which are developing indigenous software-defined radio platforms, wireless backhaul systems, and Open RAN-based 5G solutions. These startups demonstrate India’s capability to build next-generation telecommunications infrastructure domestically.
In the Blue Economy segment, IIT Madras-incubated startup Planys Technologies showcases underwater inspection technologies based on remotely operated vehicles, autonomous systems, and AI-driven diagnostics for maritime and offshore infrastructure. Another startup, Zerocircle, presents seaweed-derived natural polymer materials developed as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging. These innovations address critical maritime safety and environmental sustainability challenges.
Hyperloop Research Programme Designated as Centre of Excellence by Ministry of Railways
Among the strategic technologies on display will be IIT Madras’ Hyperloop research programme. The institute has been designated as the Centre of Excellence for Hyperloop Technology by the Ministry of Railways and is working with startup TuTr Hyperloop on propulsion, levitation, and vacuum tube technologies. This groundbreaking transportation technology aims to achieve ultra-high-speed travel through vacuum tubes using magnetic levitation.
The Hyperloop collaboration between IIT Madras and TuTr Hyperloop also demonstrates successful academia-startup partnership translating research into commercial applications. The Ministry of Railways designation recognizes IIT Madras’ technical expertise and positions the institute as the national hub for Hyperloop technology development in India.
Lab-Grown Diamond Technologies Include Invisible Identification Markings for Authentication
IIT Madras will also showcase innovations developed by the Indian Centre for Lab Grown Diamonds (InCent LGD), including laser-based technologies capable of embedding invisible identification markings within diamonds for authentication and traceability purposes. These markings also enable diamond owners and buyers to verify authenticity, prevent fraud, and track supply chain origins.
The lab-grown diamond technology addresses growing demand for sustainable diamond production without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional mining. Laser-based authentication technology provides intellectual property protection and builds consumer confidence in lab-grown diamond products.
Indigenous 5G and 6G Technologies Developed Through IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation
The institute will also present its work in indigenous 5G and 6G technologies, smart port automation systems, and low-compute artificial intelligence models being developed through IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation. These technologies reduce India’s dependence on foreign telecommunications equipment and enable cost-effective deployment of next-generation networks.
Smart port automation systems optimize maritime logistics, reduce operational costs, and improve cargo handling efficiency. Low-compute AI models enable artificial intelligence deployment on devices with limited processing power, making AI accessible in resource-constrained environments.
Showcase Provides Global Visibility to Indian Innovations and International Collaboration Avenues
The institute said the showcase provides global visibility to Indian innovations while opening new avenues for international collaborations, technology partnerships, and startup growth. International exposure helps Indian startups attract foreign investment, access global markets, and build partnerships with established industry players.
The 15 startups showcased also represent IIT Madras’ successful incubation ecosystem that transforms research into commercial products. These startups span communications, maritime technology, sustainable materials, transportation, and artificial intelligence – sectors critical for India’s technological self-reliance and economic growth.
Bharat Innovates 2026 concludes with IIT Madras showcasing 15 startups and five deep-tech projects including Hyperloop, lab-grown diamonds, 5G/6G, port automation, and indigenous AI, while leading Blue Economy and Next-Generation Communications themes to create India-France collaboration opportunities in research, technology transfer, and startup partnerships.
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