At the 16th edition of the annual Open House hosted by the Centre for Innovation (CFI) at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), students showcased an impressive array of innovative technologies to the public. With over 1,000 students presenting 76 projects, the event buzzed with creativity and ingenuity.

Among the highlights was InnoGuide, a robot donning a checkered shirt, guiding attendees to projects matching their interests. This seventeen-member team behind InnoGuide envisions its application in various settings, from innovation centers to retail stores and museums, showcasing its potential for broader adoption.

A group of students from diverse departments, including Biotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering, unveiled Agriscape, a series of agricultural products addressing challenges faced by small-scale farmers. Their mission is to empower farmers by providing practical solutions tailored to their needs, with recent iterations even securing provisional patents.

Another notable project, led by electrical engineering student Asmitha and her team, introduced a white cane designed for the visually impaired. Equipped with vibratory devices, the cane detects obstacles by vibrating, corresponding to the presence of objects in designated compartments.

Prabhu Rajagopal, Advisor for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at IIT Madras, emphasized the crucial role played by CFI and the Nirmaan Pre-Incubator in nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship among students, underscoring the institution's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation.