Over 400 research projects on display at IIIT Hyderabad

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The 25th annual R&D Showcase of the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad began on Saturday at its Gachibowli campus, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers and students to explore emerging technologies and their societal impact.

The two-day flagship event, themed “Trust in Technology – Security, Privacy and Transparency,” features more than 400 research demos, posters and prototypes from 29 research centres. It serves as the institute’s primary platform where faculty and students present their latest innovations to academia, industry and the public. Over 300 industry representatives and students from several colleges are expected to attend and interact with researchers.

Delivering the inaugural keynote, Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), said the foundation serves as India’s primary agency for funding and supporting research, similar to the National Science Foundation in the United States. Established under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023, ANRF replaced the earlier Science and Engineering Research Board.

He highlighted new funding opportunities for universities and mission-mode programmes under the MAHA framework, including initiatives in drones, next-generation communications such as 6G, water sustainability and socially impactful innovations in healthcare, energy and education.

Sandeep K. Shukla, Director of IIIT Hyderabad, said the showcase reflects the institute’s focus on translating research into real-world solutions. “Technology shouldn’t control us; instead, we should control technology,” he said.

A panel discussion on building trust in Indian cyberspace stressed the need for stronger cybersecurity frameworks and a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy. Experts warned that cybercrime in India causes financial losses worth tens of thousands of crores annually and highlighted the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals.

Among the exhibition highlights is an autonomous self-driving wheelchair designed to enhance mobility for persons with disabilities. The showcase also features robotics projects, AI systems and models of traditional earthquake-resilient housing from across India.

Now in its 25th year, the event has grown into one of the institute’s most significant platforms for collaboration between academia, industry and government.