Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) will showcase a portfolio of deep-tech innovations, strategic research projects and 15 incubated startups at Bharat Innovates 2026, an international technology showcase being held in Nice, France, from June 14-16.
Organised by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, the event aims to identify, mentor and present promising technology ventures emerging from higher education institutions and centrally-funded technical institutes before a global audience of investors, policymakers, industry leaders and research organisations.
Global platform
IIT Madras will lead two of the 13 thematic areas at the event,- Blue Economy and Next-Generation Communications. The institute will also display five major research initiatives, including Hyperloop Technology, lab-grown diamond marking technologies, 5G and 6G systems, port automation and an indigenous low-compute AI ecosystem.
Speaking on the opportunities arising from the event, IIT Madras Director Prof V Kamakoti said, “The India–France Year of Innovation 2026 and Bharat Innovates 2026 are expected to open new opportunities for collaboration between IIT Madras and French universities, research labs, startups and industries. The Institute is excited to take part in the event, which opens up opportunities for joint research in 6G technologies, shared testbeds, standards development, startup partnerships, technology transfer and talent exchange programmes.”
IIT Madras Dean (Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research), Prof Manu Santhanam added, “Through its participation at Bharat Innovates 2026, IIT Madras aims to demonstrate India’s growing leadership in deep-tech innovation, strategic technologies and globally relevant research-driven entrepreneurship. This platform will provide great exposure for our start-ups and create greater opportunities for university collaborations with leading French institutions.”
Next-Generation Communications
The Next-Generation Communications theme will highlight India’s efforts to build indigenous telecommunications technologies as the industry transitions from 5G to 6G.
Startups including REIO Systems, Astrome Technologies and WiSig Networks will showcase software-defined radio platforms, high-capacity wireless backhaul solutions and Open RAN-based 5G technologies. The innovations are aimed at supporting ultra-low latency communications, intelligent automation and distributed AI applications that are expected to underpin future digital infrastructure.
Blue Economy focus
The Blue Economy segment will demonstrate how deep-tech startups are addressing maritime and ocean-related challenges through advanced robotics, AI and sustainable materials.
IIT Madras-incubated startup Planys Technologies will showcase its remotely operated vehicles and AI-powered diagnostic systems for inspecting underwater infrastructure. The solutions are designed to improve safety, reduce environmental risks and extend asset life in offshore and maritime sectors.
Another startup, Zerocircle, will present seaweed-derived natural polymer materials developed as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. The company’s PFAS-free and microplastic-free materials are designed for adoption on existing manufacturing lines.
Strategic technologies
Among the key attractions will be Hyperloop technology, an area where IIT Madras has emerged as a national leader. The institute’s incubated startup TuTr Hyperloop has developed and demonstrated critical technologies including linear induction motor propulsion, electromagnetic levitation and vacuum tube operations at the IIT Madras Discovery Campus.
The institute will also showcase innovations from the Indian Centre for Lab Grown Diamonds (InCent LGD), including laser-based technologies that embed invisible QR codes and customised markings inside diamonds for authentication and traceability.
In addition, IIT Madras will present its indigenous 5G and 6G technology capabilities and the work of the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), which is developing smart port automation solutions such as intelligent cargo handling, predictive maintenance, IoT-enabled monitoring and digital twin technologies.
Through its participation, IIT Madras aims to strengthen international collaborations while showcasing India’s growing capabilities in deep-tech innovation, advanced manufacturing and strategic technologies.