IIT Delhi Wins Top Honours at Sanrachna 2026 Technical Textiles Hackathon
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
Three innovations from IIT Delhi's Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering have been recognised among the top three ideas at the Sanrachna 2026 Product Development and Design Hackathon. The hackathon was organised under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) by the Ministry of Textiles. The award-winning projects address critical needs in wound care, extreme cold protection, and farmer safety.
Background
The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) was launched by the Government of India to promote research, development, and adoption of technical textiles. Sanrachna 2026 is a hackathon aimed at fostering innovation in product development and design within the technical textiles sector.
Key facts
Three IIT Delhi innovations were selected among the top three at Sanrachna 2026 hackathon.
The hackathon received over 700 applications, with 31 teams reaching the final stage.
First innovation: BacCelAero – sustainable bacterial cellulose aerogel for diabetic wound care and emergency haemorrhage management.
Second innovation: Ultra-lightweight aerogel-based sleeping bag and mattress system for soldiers, disaster response personnel, and mountaineers in extreme cold.
Third innovation: KISAN-SHIELD – multifunctional protective textile for farmers against heat stress, UV radiation, rain, humidity, and insects.
The innovations were guided by Prof. Harun Venkatesan of IIT Delhi.
The hackathon was organised by TBD Campus in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles under NTTM.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh felicitated the innovators.
Prelims pointers
- Sanrachna 2026: Product Development and Design Hackathon
- National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)
- Ministry of Textiles
- IIT Delhi – Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering
- BacCelAero – bacterial cellulose aerogel
- KISAN-SHIELD – protective textile for farmers
- Union Minister Giriraj Singh
Mains angles
- Role of technical textiles in national security and disaster management
- Government initiatives like NTTM in promoting innovation and self-reliance
- Application of technical textiles in healthcare, defence, and agriculture