InnoWah - PALS4 Innovation Challenge

The ‘Innovation Challenge’ – an initiative of Pan IIT Alumni Leadership Series was organized in the last week of March at IIT Madras Research Park. The theme was the challenge was as Alternative energy and Clean Tech as part of the Swachh Bharath initiative.

Eco-friendly innovations

Students from various engineering colleges displayed as many as 13 projects based on five focus areas namely:

1. Energy, 
2. Solar power, 
3. Public hygiene, 
4. Waste recycling 
5. and Water purification. 

The top 13

Aimed at recognizing promising talent for future entrepreneurship and startups, 13 projects were short-listed from over a 100 submissions. An exhibition of the projects was also held at IIT Madras Research Park.

Among the many interesting entries was Pratyusha Institute of Technology's project featuring a two-level water purifier using banana peel. The first layer of purification was through activated carbon, while the second was through banana peel pellets stuffed in a ceramic candle. Karthik Raj, the student who presented the project said, “bacteria would reduce by around 60%. The cost price is just around Rs. 800, and while in a Reverse Osmosis purifier there is 50% water loss, no water is wasted here.”

The Agro Rover’ built by students from Hindustan University was aimed at easing the process of tapioca farming, by using robotic arms to pluck the root. “The rover can be operated through WiFi or through a wired switch, and can also run on solar energy,” said Muthukumaran, the faculty advisor for the team.

Hindustan University Team-1 explaining their Solar powered Agro rover prototype

The finalists were mentored for three days by industry veterans from forums like TiE Chennai. They were given orientations on concepts such as marketing, finance, business plans and more.

The winners 

First prize: Solar powered LPG gas leakage detection and control system

KCG college explaining their project

The prize-winning entry by Sunil Kumar, Saravanan R and S Prathap, final year students of electrical and electronic engineering at KCG College of Technology, was an innovative Solar powered LPG gas leakage detection and control system which can ring an alarm to alert gas leakage, send a message to users, prevent leakage due to a valve fixed between the stove and cylinder, and send a message to the fire department in case of excessive leakage. The device also has a mechanism to detect low levels of gas remaining in the cylinder following which a message will be sent to the gas agency.

Second prize: Waste plastic pyrolysis reactor

Hindustan University explaining their project 

Hindustan University bagged the second prize for their presentation on ‘Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Reactor' which focussed on water recycling. 

Third prize: Fuelling the future 

Pratyusha Institute explaining their project

An all-girls team from Pratyusha Institute of Technology won the third prize for their presentation of hydrogen as an alternate fuel solution to power auto mobiles. Pradeepa, a member of the team explained that electrolysis was used to separate hydrogen from water. “With a litre of water, we can have a mileage of around 65 km, it is 20% more efficient than petrol,” Their investment for each system was estimated at Rs. 1500, and they plan to market it at Rs. 3000 to meet costs.

Winners with the PALS-4 team

Hub in the Sky - A glance at the upcoming venue of the IITAlumni Center

An artist's impression of the IITM Research Park building which will also house the Hub in the sky

"Picture yourself in a boat on a river

With tangerine trees and marmalade skies"

-- The Beatles

The immortal opening lines of what is arguably one of the most famous and influential songs go hand-in-hand with what the Hub in the Sky seeks to offer you.

An oasis of calm in the city, the Hub is located at the prestigious IIT Madras Research Park which has been designed by renowned architect, Hafeez Contractor is scheduled to open in 2015.

A place to network

The Hub is more than just a social club. It’s a forum for close interaction between the IIT alumni, faculty, industry, researchers and entrepreneurs. Together, the facilities and events seek to provide opportunities to meet old friends, make new ones as well as contribute to education and industry in and around Chennai.

The Hub in the Sky will offer two floors of elite facilities and many exclusive services to the members of the IIT Alumni Center. These include:

Rooftop facilities 

Gather your friends and host an epic get-together at our atmospheric rooftop. It will also make for an ideal venue to host family and corporate parties. Besides, we will assist you with the preparations, making it a “walk in the park” for you.

Business Services

An office away from office, the Hub will offer you a wide range of business services including uninterrupted WiFi connectivity.

Fine Dining 

At our indoor fine dining restaurant, you will be treated to a delectable variety of dishes from around the world.

Residential Suites 

The Hub will also offer members the option to enjoy comfortable, concessional accommodation at our welcoming residential suites.

Conference facilities

Add more zing to your business meetings and conferences by hosting them at the Hub. You will be treated to best-in-class facilities at our well-equipped meeting rooms including elegant seating, overhead projection and dynamic audio system. Make your meetings complete with our in-house catering services.

Library

From 19th century classics to today’s contemporary reading, the library will offer a wide range of fiction and non-fiction material. What’s more? You can also take part in Bibliothek, the official book club of the IIT Alumni Center.

Health and fitness 

Looking to stay in shape? 

The Hub will house a well-equipped gym an invigorating spa for you to tone your body and relax your soul.

Sports and games

The Hub in the Sky houses two professionally built squash courts and a billiards room. Apart from these, the Hub will also offer a range of indoor games from Chess to Scrabble and more.

Lobby of the Hub in the Sky

Fine dining 

A suite at Hub in the Sky

Conference facility 

Spa at Hub in the Sky

The Gym

Billiards at Hub in the Sky

Memberships open

Becoming a member of the IIT Alumni Center is easy and we're here to guide you through the process. Membership is open to alumni and faculty from all the IITs across India.  To know more about membership benefits, types and acceptance process click here

To enquire about or apply for membership, click here