Chennai startup wins Rs 3 lakh for safety tech in old buildings at IIT Madras event
The second prize went to Q-axis Motors, a startup that has developed India's first sub-100rad precision gimbals, designed for use in defence, drone, and surveillance systems. Their high-precision motion control devices offer vital improvements in stability and targeting for unmanned systems and aerial vehicles.In third place was Zentor Medtech, which has created the world's first patented solid-state laser technology for eye surgery. The innovation promises to enhance the precision and safety of ophthalmic procedures, offering an alternative to conventional laser equipment with solid-state reliability.CELEBRATING AI, INNOVATION, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIPHeld on July 4 and 5 in Bengaluru, Sangam 2025 brought together over 500 participants, including entrepreneurs, faculty, alumni, and investors. The theme revolved around Artificial Intelligence, innovation, and entrepreneurship, reinforcing IIT Madras's position as a national leader in deep tech research and commercialisation.
(L_R) Prof Ashwin Mahalingam, Prof V Kamakoti, Shri Piyush Goyal, Shyamala Rajaram at Sangam 2025 Event in Bangalore on 5th July 2025
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said: 'I have seen the passion, the enthusiasm, the bright ideas and the willingness to explore the unknown, the spirit of inquiry that all of you have demonstrated, it truly makes all of us proud of your work so much that now, having committed the entire first tranche of 'Fund of Funds' of Rs. 10,000 Crore in the last budget, now another Rs. 10,000 Crore has now been provided as Tranche 2.'He further shared that the Cabinet has approved a $12 billion (Rs 1 lakh crore) interest-free loan to the Department of Science and Technology, aimed at supporting new technologies through flexible funding models that can be reinvested as innovations succeed.IIT MADRAS PUSHES FOR 'VIKSIT BHARAT 2047'advertisementSpeaking earlier, Prof. V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, 'IIT Madras is committed to playing a pivotal role in shaping 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. At the forefront of its agenda are innovation and entrepreneurship, which are key drivers for National progress. The upcoming 'Sangam 2025' event embodies this vision, with a series of thoughtfully curated events designed to empower India to emerge as a nation of entrepreneurs and a global leader in product innovation.'The event was also addressed by other eminent personalities, including Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman of Axilor Ventures & Co-founder of Infosys, Dr S Somanath, Vikram Sarabhai Professor and Former Chairman of ISRO -- both distinguished alumni of IIT Madras -- and Shri Tejasvi Surya, Hon'ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Bengaluru South.The event also featured high-profile sessions with Aparna Chennapragada (Microsoft), Srinivas Narayanan (OpenAI), Tarun Mehta (Ather Energy), Kris Gopalakrishnan (Infosys), and Dr S Somanath (former ISRO Chairman) -- all IIT Madras alumni.FROM STARTUPS TO GLOBAL IMPACTThe Pitchfest showcased innovations across AI, health, biotech, quantum computing, logistics, and climate tech. All selected startups will now receive support from the IIT Madras Innovation Ecosystem, which has already nurtured over 500 startups in the last decade.advertisementAs Shyamala Rajaram, President of the IIT Madras Alumni Association, said: 'Sangam 2025 is the powerful confluence of IIT Madras and its global alumni -- sparking bold conversations on innovation and entrepreneurship.'With initiatives like these, IIT Madras continues to strengthen its role as a global hub for technology-driven transformation and economic progress.- Ends
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