IIT Madras to headline deep-tech showcase at ‘Bharat Innovates 2026’ in France

• Event aims to spotlight high-potential ventures from Indian higher education and centrally funded technical institutes

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) will present deep-tech innovations, strategic research programs and 15 incubated startups at Bharat Innovates 2026, an international technology showcase in France from June 14–16, the institute said.

Organised by the Ministry of Education in France, the event aims to spotlight high-potential ventures from Indian higher education and centrally funded technical institutes, connecting innovators with investors, policymakers, industry leaders and research partners worldwide.

IIT Madras will lead two of the event’s 13 thematic areas—Blue Economy and Next-Generation Communications—and feature five marquee research projects: Hyperloop technology, lab-grown diamond (LGD) technologies, 5G/6G communications, port automation and a domain-specific, low-compute indigenous AI ecosystem.

In communications, startups including REIO Systems, Astrome Technologies and WiSig Networks will showcase platforms spanning software-defined radios, wireless backhaul and Open RAN-based 5G solutions.

In the Blue Economy track, Planys Technologies will present underwater inspection systems leveraging ROVs, autonomous platforms and AI diagnostics for maritime and offshore infrastructure, while Zerocircle will highlight seaweed-derived natural polymers as sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging.

IIT Madras’ Hyperloop program—run with TuTr Hyperloop and backed by the Ministry of Railways’ Centre of Excellence designation—will display advances in propulsion, levitation and vacuum tube systems.

The Indian Centre for Lab Grown Diamonds (InCent LGD) will demonstrate laser techniques for invisible identification markings to authenticate and trace diamonds. Additional exhibits include indigenous 5G/6G advances, smart port automation and low-compute AI models developed through IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation.

Director V. Kamakoti said the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 and Bharat Innovates 2026 are expected to catalyse collaborations with French universities, labs, startups and industries, enabling joint 6G research, shared testbeds, standards work, startup partnerships, tech transfer and talent exchanges.

The institute said the showcase will boost global visibility for Indian innovation and open new avenues for international partnerships and startup growth.