The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad will host the fourth edition of IInvenTiv 2026 on April 6–7 at its campus in Jharkhand. The event is being jointly organised with Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar and Indian Institute of Technology Patna.

IInvenTiv is the Ministry of Education’s annual R&D fair, bringing together academic institutions, start-ups, industry and investors. The 2026 edition will focus on five thematic areas: healthcare, artificial intelligence and machine learning, materials science, earth sciences, and semiconductor and chip technology.

Launched in 2022 at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the platform has expanded from IITs to include IISc, IISERs, NITs, IIMs, IIEST and other top-ranked engineering institutions.

Organisers said more than 235 innovation entries were received from 37 institutes, of which around 151 innovations and start-ups have been shortlisted for live demonstrations. A further 46 start-ups incubated at organising IITs and Technology Innovation Hubs will also be showcased.

The event will include start-up pitching sessions, investor interactions and technology demonstrations. Organisers expect participation from over 1,000 delegates, including researchers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and students.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is expected to attend the inaugural ceremony as chief guest, while Ajay Kela, Chief Executive of the Wadhwani Foundation, is expected to be the guest of honour.

Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, said the event provides a platform for institutions to present technologies addressing practical challenges. Parthasarathi Das, Dean (R&D) and convenor of IInvenTiv 2026, said the initiative aims to link research with industry and investment. Ejaz Ahmad, organising secretary, said the programme will facilitate collaboration across sectors including artificial intelligence, healthcare, semiconductors and mining.

Organisers said the event is expected to support technology transfer, start-up growth and industry partnerships, with potential agreements and funding discussions during the two-day programme.

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