(Photo: IIT Delhi Open House 2026)

New Delhi: On 31st October 2026, IIT Delhi organised the 19th edition of the Open House, a flagship initiative by the Institute for school and college students, academia, industry, funding agencies and other stakeholders. At the Open House 2026, visitors got a glimpse of the breadth and impact of research, innovation and technological developments being undertaken across IIT Delhi.

Research posters, technology demonstrations, laboratory displays, expert talks and startup presentations reflected the breadth of innovation and interdisciplinary research at the Institute.

Dr. Binay Kumar Das, DG, Electronics and Communication Systems, DRDO, Government of India, inaugurated the event as the chief guest. Prof. Arvind Kumar Nema, Officiating Director and Deputy Director of Operations at IIT Delhi and other senior officials were present on this occasion.  

The Open House featured more than 500 technological presentations across 10 thematic areas, spanning Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Quantum Technologies, Semiconductors, Robotics, Advanced Materials, Optics and Photonics, Biotechnology, Sustainability, and Defence and Space. This included over 100 demonstrations of prototypes and innovative projects, 225 plus research posters, 80 plus laboratory demos and more than 90 three-minute talks by IITD UG and PG students, who presented their research.

(Photo: IIT Delhi Open House 2026)

Approximately 3,000 school and college students and over 1,500 other visitors, including industry and academia representatives witnessed the scientific presentations.

The Open House 2026 reaffirmed IIT Delhi's role as a leading centre of research and technological innovation, contributing to India's aspirations for scientific advancement, indigenous technology development and a self-reliant future.

Photo: Chief Guest Dr. Binay Kumar Das, Director General, Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS), DRDO

Addressing the inaugural session, chief guest Dr. Binay Kumar Das inspired the school and college students with his talk on 'Young Minds, Strong Nation'.

Dr. Binay Kumar Das emphasised the importance of nurturing scientific curiosity among school and college students and inspiring them to pursue science, research and technological innovation.He highlighted how initiatives such as the IIT Delhi Open House provide young minds with valuable exposure to advanced research and practical technological developments, motivating them to contribute to India's scientific and technological 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,” Dr. Das said.   

He also underscored the importance of a strong interface between academic institutions, national R&D organisations and industry for developing indigenous technologies and translating research into impactful applications. He referred to the Defence, Industry, Academia-Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) as an important example of collaboration between academia and DRDO in addressing strategic technology requirements.

He urged the students to carry India's culture and traditions with them wherever they go.“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. You are an icon. You are not going there merely as an individual to earn dollars; you are going there as an Indian. People should respect you for who you are, and through you, they should respect your country. This is the cultural ethos you must carry forward. Always remember your roots, return to your country, and give back to this nation,” Dr Das said.

(Photo: Open House 2026 inauguration ceremony in Dogra Hall, IIT Delhi)

Prof. Arvind Kumar Nema, Officiating Director and Deputy Director of Operations at IIT Delhi, stated, “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.”

Prof. Gufran Sayeed Khan, Chairperson, Open House 2026, IIT Delhi, said, “The 19th edition of the Open House concluded successfully, witnessing an overwhelming response from school and college students, industries, the wider public and other stakeholders, who explored the research and innovations taking place at IIT Delhi. The Open House highlighted the Institute’s contribution to science, technology, and nation-building through interactive demonstrations and presentations that featured innovations from the Institute faculty, students, and startups.”

Prof. Ashwini Agrawal, Dean, R&D, IIT Delhi, said, “IIT Delhi’s R&D ecosystem drives cutting-edge research and technological innovation, translating knowledge into impactful solutions to societal challenges through interdisciplinary research, industry partnerships, and national and international collaborations. Open House reflects our commitment to making science, research and innovation accessible to society. It serves as a vibrant platform that connects the Institute with the wider community, showcasing the creativity of our students and faculty in addressing real-world challenges. We hope this initiative sparks curiosity and inspires young minds to explore, innovate, and contribute to building a technology-driven, self-reliant India.”

(Photo: IIT Delhi Open House 2026)

At the Open House, IIT Delhi also launched “Research Ambit”, the Institute's research discovery surface: a set of ways to find people, papers, IP, and themes.

The Open House has grown in its size, stature and reach amongst the young students. IIT Delhi Alumni Association (IITDAA) has been an integral part of this journey. The IITDAA sponsors the Research and Innovation (R&I) Awards for outstanding UG and PG projects. The Association, through its dedicated alumni, enjoys diverse expertise and rich professional experience.

43 distinguished IITD alumni served as jury members at this 19th edition of the Open House. They meticulously evaluated student posters, presentations, and live demonstrations across the identified 10 thematic areas by interacting with the young innovators and aspirants behind these projects.

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

The Open House saw the involvement of nearly 1,200 IIT Delhi students in various event-related activities.The Institute faculty, staff and students played a key role in ensuring that the Open House visitors had an enriching experience.