The 8th edition of TECHgium®, India’s largest platform for engineering innovation, concluded successfully on Friday, hosted by L&T Technology Services Limited. The event saw an unprecedented surge in participation, with over 39,000 registrations from more than 560 engineering colleges across India—marking a nearly six-fold increase since its launch in 2016. TECHgium® continues to play a pivotal role in connecting academia with industry while fostering a culture of innovation in Mobility, Sustainability, and Technology.
The event, which was graced by Prof Dr TG Sitharam, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and Vikas Purohit, CEO of New Business Ventures at Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd, showcased cutting-edge engineering solutions aimed at real-world challenges. Both speakers highlighted the importance of innovation in shaping the future of engineering and maintaining global competitiveness.
Since its inception, TECHgium® has provided a platform for students to engage in industry-relevant challenges, giving them hands-on experience and valuable exposure. This year’s finalists impressed with projects that ranged from AI-driven systems to advanced robotics and sustainable energy solutions. Winners walked away with prizes totaling over ₹19 lakh, celebrating their creativity and practical impact.
The top honor was awarded to the team from Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore, for their innovative project on a Mini-Propelled Underwater Autonomous Robot. The project impressed the evaluators with its design, functionality, and potential real-world applications in underwater exploration and monitoring. The team’s approach demonstrated a strong grasp of engineering principles and autonomous navigation systems.
The runner-up position was secured by the team from Fr. C. Rodrigues Institute of Technology, Navi Mumbai, for their work on WindGrid AI. This project focused on using artificial intelligence for intelligent site selection in wind power generation, showcasing the potential for optimizing renewable energy infrastructure. The team’s solution was recognized for its environmental relevance and technical execution.
The second runner-up accolade went to the students of B V Raju Institute of Technology, Telangana, for their project involving Enhanced Battery Management using Digital Twin Technology. Their concept aimed to improve battery efficiency and life cycle management through real-time simulation and monitoring, earning praise for its practicality and forward-looking approach in energy storage technologies.
A Special Jury Prize was presented to the team from Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Erode, for their AI-powered Video Moderation project. This solution addressed content moderation challenges with artificial intelligence, highlighting its use in maintaining digital safety and compliance. The jury commended the project for tackling a timely issue with a well-structured and scalable approach.
These breakthrough innovations spanned diverse fields, including AI-based energy management, autonomous inspection systems, healthcare precision technologies, blockchain for e-waste tracking, and robotics for wind turbine maintenance. Each project reflects the rising standards of engineering excellence and the relevance of these solutions to industry needs.
Over the course of nine months, participants collaborated with LTTS’ experts to develop prototypes that addressed complex, industry-specific challenges. Of the 4,600 initial concepts, 36 teams made it to the finale, where their solutions were judged by a panel of leading industry professionals, academics, and analysts.
Prof Dr TG Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, praised the event’s growth and its contribution to shaping India’s technological future. “The passion and creativity displayed by the students at TECHgium® are a testament to India’s growing leadership in innovation. Initiatives like this are essential in bridging the gap between academia and industry.”
Vikas Purohit, CEO of New Business Ventures at Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd, added, “TECHgium® is an inspiring showcase of India’s engineering talent. By pairing young innovators with industry experts, events like this foster solutions for the pressing challenges of our time.”
Abhishek Sinha, Executive Director & President at L&T Technology Services, emphasized the company’s dedication to nurturing young talent. “Innovation is not just a process at LTTS—it’s a purpose. With TECHgium®, we empower the brightest minds to tackle complex engineering problems with creativity and precision. The immense participation this year proves the growing importance of industry-academia collaboration in driving innovation.”
TECHgium® has evolved from a platform for presenting ideas to one where students demonstrate end-to-end product solutions that integrate both hardware and software. This evolution highlights the increasing sophistication of the engineering talent emerging from India’s institutions.
L&T Technology Services (LTTS) is a global leader in engineering and technology services, providing design, development, testing, and sustenance services across various industries. A subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro, LTTS serves 69 Fortune 500 companies and 57 leading ER&D firms worldwide. Headquartered in India, the company has a presence across 23 global design centers, 30 sales offices, and 108 innovation labs, with over 24,250 employees as of March 31, 2025.
