The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi showcased more than 500 technology presentations across 10 research themes at the 19th edition of its annual Open House, held on its New Delhi campus on 31 October 2026. Around 3,000 school and college students and more than 1,500 visitors from industry, academia and the public attended, according to the institute.
The event, themed around taking campus research to young learners, comes as IIT Delhi widens its AI and deep-tech offerings, from its new executive certificate in agentic AI systems to student-led work on cyber safety.
What was on show at IIT Delhi Open House 2026
Exhibits spanned artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, robotics, biotechnology, advanced materials, defence and space, and sustainability. The institute said the showcase included:
- More than 100 working models and prototypes
- Over 225 research posters
- More than 80 live laboratory demonstrations
- Over 90 short talks by undergraduate and postgraduate students
Nearly 1,200 IIT Delhi students organised the event with support from faculty and staff. The IIT Delhi Alumni Association fielded 43 alumni as jury members across the 10 themes and supported Research and Innovation Awards for outstanding student projects.
DRDO’s Binay Kumar Das urges students to build home-grown technology
Dr Binay Kumar Das, Director General (Electronics and Communication Systems) at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), inaugurated the Open House as chief guest and spoke on the theme “Young Minds, Strong Nation”. He urged visitors to stay curious about science, to keep their Indian roots even if they study or work abroad, and called for closer cooperation between universities, industry and research organisations to develop indigenous technologies.
Prof. Arvind Kumar Nema, Officiating Director of IIT Delhi, said the Open House helps bridge the gap between classroom learning, research and industry. Prof. Gufran Sayeed Khan, Chairperson of Open House 2026, said the event drew an encouraging response from students, industry and the public.
Why open campus showcases matter for STEM learning
For school students, a day among working prototypes and live lab demos is often their first direct look at how research is done. Similar outreach, such as IIT Mandi’s Science on Wheels programme, is trying to take that experience beyond metro campuses. Open houses also put student work in front of industry early, the same path that turned projects like an IIT Kharagpur student’s AI concept for dodging space debris into award winners, and that drives competitions such as the RAKSHAM AI cybersecurity hackathon involving IIT Delhi.
IIT Delhi alumni have also been taking AI learning to schools directly, as with the CodeYogi AI fluency programme for rural students. Details of the institute’s programmes and research centres are on the official IIT Delhi website.
Key takeaways
- IIT Delhi held its 19th Open House on 31 October 2026 with over 500 technology presentations across 10 themes.
- Around 3,000 school and college students and 1,500+ other visitors attended; DRDO DG Dr Binay Kumar Das was chief guest.
- 43 alumni judged student projects, and the IIT Delhi Alumni Association backed Research and Innovation Awards.
FAQ
When was IIT Delhi Open House 2026 held?
The 19th IIT Delhi Open House was held on Saturday, 31 October 2026, on the institute’s New Delhi campus.
Which research areas were covered?
Exhibits covered 10 themes, including AI, quantum technologies, semiconductors, robotics, biotechnology, advanced materials, defence and space, and sustainability.
Featured image: Dr Binay Kumar Das, DG (ECS), DRDO, at IIT Delhi Open House 2026. Photo: IIT Delhi
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