New Delhi: Department of Textile and Fiber Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Earned national recognition at Sanrachna 2026: Product Development and Design Hackathon where three research-led innovations were selected as the top three innovative ideas in the competition. The hackathon was organized by TBD Campus in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).This achievement was achieved in a highly competitive field, with more than 700 applications received from across the country. A total of 31 teams entered the finals. Three of IIT Delhi’s award-winning innovations were developed under the guidance of IIT Delhi professors. Harun Venkatesan highlighted the institute’s research in technical textiles and product development.Three innovative achievements were recognized by the countryThe first recognized innovative product, BacCelAero, was developed by postdoctoral researcher Dr. Ankita Sharma. The project focuses on sustainable bacterial cellulose aerogels designed for diabetic wound care and emergency bleeding management.The second innovation was proposed by PhD scholars Sudipto Behera and Sukriti Baliyan. Their research focuses on an ultralight airgel sleeping bag and mattress system for soldiers, disaster relief workers and climbers working in extremely cold environments.The third innovation is KISAN-SHIELD: a multifunctional protective textile for Indian farmers, developed by MTech graduate Sambhaskar Singh. The textile solution is designed to protect farmers from occupational risks including heat stress, UV radiation, rain, humidity and insect exposure.Identify the horse Bharat Technology 2026Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh congratulated the three innovators for their contribution to the development of technical textile solutions in India.The grand final of Sanrachna 2026 Hackathon was held during Bharat Tex 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from July 14 to July 17, 2026. The event brings together innovators, researchers and industry stakeholders to showcase product developments in the technical textiles sector.This recognition reflects the institute’s ongoing technical textiles research aimed at addressing healthcare, defence, disaster management and agricultural challenges through innovative materials technologies.