Students from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have secured a prestigious national victory, bringing immense pride to their institution. The duo clinched the first prize at the highly competitive Inter-IIT Undergraduate Innovation Meet, known as RISE@IITs 2026, which was organized by IIT Hyderabad.
The Winning Innovation: A Portable Diagnostic Tool
The champions, Arkya Jyoti Ghosh and Supratim Mahapatra, developed their groundbreaking project under the expert guidance of Prof Pranjal Chandra, an associate professor at the School of Biochemical Engineering. Their winning entry, titled "Handheld Micro-Imaging Device", is an innovative and cost-effective imaging technology conceived and built entirely at IIT-BHU.
For this remarkable achievement, the team was honored with the coveted Winner's Shield and a substantial cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. The competition saw intense participation, with hundreds of submissions pouring in from various IITs across India. After a stringent, multi-stage evaluation process, only 26 projects were selected for live demonstrations. The IIT-BHU team successfully navigated through these rounds, advancing to the elite Top 6 finalists before ultimately being declared the overall champion following final presentations and prototype showcases.
Jury Impressed by Real-World Application
The final round featured presentations before a distinguished jury panel that included eminent technocrats, senior government officials, policy-makers, and representatives from implementing agencies. The handheld device stood out for its unique combination of features:
- Low-cost design, making advanced technology accessible.
- High portability for use in diverse field settings.
- Wide-ranging applications in education, research, and crucially, in point-of-care diagnostics, especially in resource-limited areas.
The team highlighted the device's potential in imaging critical cellular structures, such as cancer cells and microbial systems, which could revolutionize early diagnosis and biological research.
A Testament to Institutional Excellence
Reacting to this stellar achievement, IIT-BHU Director Prof Amit Patra stated that winning the top national prize is a clear reflection of the institute's robust culture of innovation. He emphasized the institution's unwavering commitment to nurturing talent that develops practical solutions for real-world challenges. This victory not only spotlights the individual brilliance of the students and their mentor but also reinforces IIT-BHU's position as a leading hub for cutting-edge technological research and development in India.
