As 2025 draws to a close, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has reported progress across research, education, industry engagement and international collaboration, while outlining its priorities for 2026.
Reviewing the year, the institute highlighted developments in research output, institutional partnerships and student-focused initiatives. Speaking on the progress made, Director Devendra Jalihal said, “In 2025, IIT Guwahati has ensured that every effort, be it R&D, national and global collaborations, enhancing entrepreneurial initiatives, or student wellbeing, contributes to nation building. The Institute has demonstrated overall progress in every possible area of academic and research growth. As we look forward to welcoming the year 2026, we will continue with our efforts to boost innovation, strengthen regional and global partnerships, and advance research that creates meaningful societal impact.”
During 2025, IIT Guwahati reported advances across several research areas, including healthcare, environmental sustainability and emerging technologies. Among the projects undertaken were the development of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals capable of detecting mercury in live cells and the environment, and a flexible, self-cleaning heating fabric designed for use in cold climates. Researchers also developed a method using biochar derived from pineapple crowns and mosambi fibres to remove toxic chemicals from industrial wastewater.
Other research outcomes included work on improving the thermal performance of lightweight concrete lattice walls using 3D printing, a fluorescent sensor to detect cyanide in water and human cells, and a novel method for detecting and measuring SARS-CoV-2. The institute also reported the conversion of bamboo composites into automotive materials, the development of a deep learning-based sensor that converts exhaled air into voice commands using a prototype costing Rs 3000, and collaborative research with ISRO decoding flickering X-ray signals from distant black holes.
Additional developments included a patented insulin production system aimed at lowering costs and increasing yield, a material capable of detecting kerosene adulteration in petrol while selectively absorbing oil from water, and an advanced nanoparticle-strengthened epoxy coating designed to protect steel structures in marine and high-salinity environments.
In the area of national security studies, the Manekshaw Centre of Excellence for National Security Studies and Research was established under the Ministry of Education. The centre is intended to function as a coordination platform between the Armed Forces, security agencies and academic and research institutions.
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On the academic front, IIT Guwahati was ranked eighth in the Engineering category of the National Institutional Ranking Framework 2025. Internationally, the institute was placed 334th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, an improvement of ten positions from the previous year.
Industry collaboration and technology transfer remained a focus area. During the year, IIT Guwahati partnered with Miraclus Orthotech to advance work in biomedical engineering, and entered into an agreement with K.N. Bioscience (India) Pvt. Ltd. for the transfer of low-cost, high-yield C-Phycocyanin production technology. The institute also collaborated with Danfoss Industries Pvt. Ltd. to support joint work in sustainable technologies and advanced engineering solutions.
International engagement included efforts to strengthen Indo-Japan cooperation in research and education. A Japanese Parliamentary delegation visited the campus to hold discussions with institute officials and representatives of the Assam government on expanding student and research exchanges, with a stated target of reaching 50,000 exchanges. As part of this engagement, the Japan Science and Technology Agency extended the LOTUS fellowship to Indian graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Around 15 research scholars from IIT Guwahati have received the fellowship following discussions formalised during a visit to Gifu University led by the director.
To support talent exchange with Japan, the Centre for Career Development at IIT Guwahati hosted a Japan Career Seminar attended by more than 850 students. The programme included experience-sharing sessions and introduced Japanese career portals HST and Talendy to participants. Separately, collaboration with the University of Southern Denmark led to the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Indo–Danish innovation and translational research on the IIT Guwahati campus.
Entrepreneurship and regional development initiatives were also undertaken during the year. IIT Guwahati partnered with the BRICS Youth Council to host an Entrepreneurship Pre-Consultation Event attended by over 500 students and more than 80 startups. The event focused on youth-led innovation and sustainable growth in the Northeast.
Looking ahead to 2026, the institute has stated that its priorities include expanding international partnerships, promoting sustainable technologies, supporting regional development and widening educational outreach. According to the institute, the activities undertaken in 2025 are expected to inform its approach to research, collaboration and institutional growth in the coming year.
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