There is more to it than meets the eye. The filter brought out by IIT Madras researchers can also be used defence sector and all other areas where air filtration of submicron particles is required.

The coating properties are optimized for efficient removal of sub-micron sized dust particles in the air. The nano-coated filter media developed by IIT Madras researchers is in the process of being tested in practical applications.

This good work taken up by IIT Madras researchers is funded by Defence Research Development Organisation and owing to its high potential for the need of the hour, it is repositioned in healthcare applications.

This nano-coated filter developed by IIT Madras researchers can be used by healthcare personnel treating COVID-19 patients.

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Speaking about the unique points of this nano-coated filter brought out by IIT Madras researchers, Professor K. Arul Prakash, Department of Applied Mechanics, IIT Madras said the nano-coating fabricated through the electrospinning process have fiber diameter less than 1 micron and can be positioned according to the need to enhance surface/depth filtration for healthcare workers or public responders.

This novel filter with multiple nano-coating have capabilities to filter particles of the order of one micron size, which is a remarkable achievement, he said.

IIT Madras researchers to who took up the work of developing the nano-coated filter were from various departments of the prestigious insitution.

They included Professor Raghuram Chetty from Department of Chemical Engineering and Professor Saravana Kumar from Department of Engineering Design.

Professor Prakash speaking about the defence applications of the filter brought out by IIT Madras researchers said nano-coated filter media have much better reverse cleanability behaviour resulting in an extended service life period of air filters providing prolonged working hours for armoured vehicles.

The practical applications of the filter lie in face masks with an enhanced particle filtration efficiency. They can also be used in respirator devices, air purification system in operation theatres of hospitals.

The filter developed by IIT Madras researchers also can be used in cabin air filters for the comfort and health of air passengers, can be used in the air filters for the engines in armoured vehicles.

They can be used in computer hard disk drive filters and pneumatic equipment.

IIT Madras researchers are now trying to optimize the coating parameters of nanomaterials for bulk manufacturing at an affordable cost and testing the antiviral properties for broader utilization in various applications.

Also, attempts are being made to develop composite nano-coated filter media having more than one nanomaterial coating with the possibility of manufacturing multi-layered masks.

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Various characteristics of the nano-coated material such as permeability (a measure of flow-through media), coating thickness and mechanical strength have been measured.

The optimized nano-coated filter media has been developed using computer tools and validated with experimental results.

An increased filtration efficiency for submicron size dust particles of the order of 0.25 microns with a marginal increase in pressure drop is a notable achievement through this technology.

The filtration can be further improved with multilayer nanomaterial coating. The nano-coated filter will not only be restricted for health care and defence applications but, in other places where air filtration of submicron particles is required.

About IIT Madras

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) was established in 1959 by the Government of India as an ‘Institute of National Importance.’

The activities of the Institute in various fields of Science and Technology are carried out in 16 academic departments and several advanced interdisciplinary research academic centres.

The Institute offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes leading to B.Tech., M.Sc., M.B.A., M.Tech., M.S., and Ph.D., degrees in a variety of specialisations.

IITM is a residential institute with more than 580 faculty and 9,500 students. Students from 18 countries are enrolled here.

IITM fosters an active entrepreneurial culture with strong curricular support and through the IITM Incubation Cell.

IITM has been ranked No.1 in the ‘Overall’ Category for the second consecutive year in India Ranking 2020 released by National Institutional Ranking Framework, Ministry of Human Resources Development, Govt. of India.

The Institute has also been ranked No.1 in the Engineering Institutions category in the same Rankings for five consecutive years – 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

It was also adjudged as the ‘Top innovative Institution’ in the country in the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) 2019 launched by Innovation Cell of MHRD.

The event was hosted along with 50 other nodal centres across the nation by KCG College of Technology which is a part of Hindustan Group of Institutions.

Organizers

SIH 2024 was organized by All India Council For Technical Education (AICTE), Ministry of Education of Government of India, Institute Innovation Council (IIC) of Ministry of Education.

Union Education Minister emphasized that hackathon is a fine platform for nurturing the nation’s future. He further spoke on the youth of India.

Their role is crucial when it comes to nation’s transformation into a knowledge economy and global growth engine, said Union Minister.

Prime Minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the participants on the first of the contest. He praised the extraordinary talent of Indian youth.

Solutions generated through hackathon have been immensely useful for the nation.

He expressed confidence that the ideas developed in the hackathon would contribute significantly to strengthening India’s leadership in technology and innovation.

Theme

Theme provided to KCG College of Technology was ‘Revolutionising India’s Postal Infrastructure through Technological Innovation’, a problem statement issued by the Ministry of Communications’ Department of Posts to modernise one of India’s oldest institutions.

Inauguration at KCG College of Technology

The inaugural ceremony held at the nodal centre of KCG College of Technology was
held in a grand manner and Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, Former Director General of Police and Member of the Fifth Police Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu was the chief guest.

Dr. K. Radhakrishnan speaking at the inauguration at KCG College of Technology said technology isn’t just about gadgets—it’s about making life better, building trust, and creating solutions that change lives.

Addressing the participants ,he said ‘Your creativity, drive, and passion have the potential to shape not just industries, but the entire country.”

He also highlighted the role of the Smart India Hackathon in bridging the gap between education and industry, empowering young minds to tackle real-world challenges.

She said Smart India Hackathon is not just a competition; it is a celebration of innovation.

Dr. M. Muthukannan, Principal of KCG College of Technology welcomed the gathering.

Dignitaries present during the inauguration were K A Devaraj, Director, Postal Service (HO), TN Circle, Ankur Tiwari, Deputy General Manager, Parcel Directorate, M Pattabhiraman, Deputy Manager, CERT, Mohandoss K, Deputy Manager, CEPT, Samrat Shinde, Principal Engineering Manager, Persistent Systems Ltd, Anand Sivaraj, Manager (IP & Technology Transfer), AICTE Innovation Centre, Chennai.

Contest

The event witnessed a rigorous two-round mentor discussion and three-round evaluation process, say sources from KCG College of Technology.

Following each discussion, participants refined their codes and presented updated work for evaluation, showcasing their adaptability and dedication to innovation.

The event also featured an engaging cultural programme, organised by the college’s music and dance clubs, which included songs in different languages , Tamil Nadu’s traditional folk dances like Karakattam and Silambattam, alongside contemporary Western performances, adding a fun dimension to the intense innovation marathon.

Valedictory

Valedictory ceremony for the event was held on the second day. Chief guest for it was Mr. Kuhan Madhan, Associate Vice President, Guidance Tamil Nadu.

He is also a notable alumnus of KCG College of Technology from EEE of 2005-2009 batch.

Mr. Madhan’s return to his alma mater for this prestigious event symbolised the enduring connection between the institution and its graduates, showcasing the impact of KCG College of Technology in shaping successful professionals.

Dr Annie Jacob speaking at the valedictory highlighted the transformative potential of technology in reshaping India’s future.

She said that through the theme ‘Revolutionising India’s Postal Infrastructure through Technological Innovation,’ we’ve witnessed how technology can transform even the most time-honoured institutions, paving the way for a modern, future-ready India.

Winners

Winners for four problem statements were announced during the valedictory.

For the problem statement ‘Measurement and Monitoring of Counter Services’, the first prize was awarded to the team HexTech1 from Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, for developing a user-friendly AI-powered application to monitor and enhance counter services across India Post, ensuring a seamless customer experience.

For the problem statement ‘Road Transport Network Telematics’, the first prize was awarded to the team Abhyuday from Bansilal Ramnath Agarwal Charitable Trusts Vishwakarama Institute of Technology, Pune , Maharashtra for creating a telematics solution that enables route optimisation, live tracking, and optimal capacity utilisation for long-haul trucking operations across India.

For the problem statement ‘A Digital BRSR Platform for India Post Network’, the first prize was awarded to the team Mini Juris 2.0 from Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, for developing a digital platform to implement the Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, positioning India Post as a leader in environmental and social sustainability.

For the problem statement ‘Bridging the Measurability Gap’, the first prize was awarded to the team Bhoomik from Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College, Ghaziabad , Uttar Pradesh for designing a digital solution to ensure adherence to validated Citizens Charter norms across all public interfaces of India Post, enhancing service quality and accountability.

Each winning team was awarded a cash prize of one lakh rupees for their innovative contributions, say sources from KCG College of Technology.

Inception

Since its inception in 2017, the Smart India Hackathon has grown exponentially.

SIH 2024 marked the largest edition to date, with over 250 problem statements submitted by 54 Ministries, Departments, State Governments, PSUs, and industries. This year, over 86,000 student teams participated at the institute level, with 49,000 advancing to the national stage.

KCG College’s focus on postal innovation aligned with the Ministry of Communications’ vision for technological advancement and was widely praised for its practical, impactful solutions.

Beacon

Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chairman of Hindustan Group of Institutions, remarked the Smart India Hackathon 2024 at our institution stands tall as a beacon of innovation, inspiring students to turn their ideas into transformative solutions for the nation.

‘This event reaffirms our commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial and technological talent, solidifying our position as a global innovation hub.’

Also Read – KCG College of Technology to host great contest from 10 to 12 December 2024