Student Innovations Take Centre Stage at i2 Academia Pavilion

The i2 Academia Pavilion, a key feature of the IMTEX FORMING 2026 exhibition, showcased a wide array of innovations from engineering institutions across the country.

With the advent of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing, large-scale efforts are underway to integrate smart technologies into industrial units and factories. UVCE, Bengaluru, presented a predictive maintenance system for machinery. The solution uses an accelerometer connected to a unit equipped with an in-built machine learning model to monitor machine behavior, detect faults, and predict maintenance requirements. “Employees from HCL and Kirloskar visited our stall and showed keen interest in our project,” remarked V Sanjay, a fourth-year ECS student.

Similarly, D.K.T.E. Society’s Textile & Engineering Institute, Kolhapur, showcased two smart technology-driven innovations—a smart window automation system and an exhaust gas-to-ink converter with a smart PUC certificate. “The machine serves a dual purpose by converting exhaust gases into usable ink. The smart PUC certificate allows users to generate reports within seconds,” explained Anuj Lugade, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student.

The smart window automation system is designed to detect conditions such as gas leaks and rainfall, automatically opening or closing windows. It is particularly suited for industrial units where windows are difficult to access. “It can also detect and interpret pollution values,” added Soham Sanjay Birnale, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student. The project has already received start-up funding and shows strong commercial potential.

Kingston Engineering College, Vellore, displayed an autonomous, multi-purpose robot capable of operating across a wide range of industries. Developed at a cost of just INR 25,000, the robot is designed to be affordable for small and medium enterprises. Built by Kabil G, a fourth-year AI and Data Science student, the robot features a compact, handless design that allows it to navigate narrow spaces, particularly between machinery on the shopfloor.

Meanwhile, Prathyusha Engineering College, Thiruvallur, showcased a UAV designed for agricultural and disaster management applications. “The GPS can be programmed to carry a payload of up to 10 kg of fertiliser and spray it precisely in areas where crops are affected,” explained Prof V Meghanathan, Associate Professor, Engineering Department.

Source: Magic Wand Media