New Delhi: Department of Textile and Fiber Engineering at IIT Delhi has gained national recognition at the Sanrachna 2026: Product Development and Design Hackathon, with three research-led innovations being selected among the top three 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).The win came in a highly competitive field, with more than 700 applications received from across the country. All 31 teams made it to the finals of the competition. Three award-winning inventions from IIT Delhi were created under the guidance of Prof. Harun Venkatesan, highlights the organization’s research on textile technology and product development.Three innovations were adopted by the whole countryThe first known invention, BacCelAero, was developed by Dr. Ankita Sharma, postdoctoral researcher. This project focuses on a sustainable bacterial cellulose airgel for diabetic wound care and emergency management.The second information was provided by PhD scholars Sudipto Behera and Sukriti Baliyan. Their research focuses on ultra-lightweight airgel sleeping bags and mattresses for soldiers, emergency workers and mountain climbers working in extreme cold environments.The third initiative, KISAN-SHIELD: Multifunctional Protective Textile for Indian Farmers, was developed by Sambhaskar Singh, an MTech graduate. The textile solution is designed to protect farmers from occupational hazards, including heat, ultraviolet rays, rain, humidity and contact with insects.Recognized at Bharat Tex 2026The three manufacturers were felicitated by Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh for their contribution in creating technological solutions in India.The grand finale of the Sanrachna 2026 hackathon was organized during Bharat Tex 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from July 14 to July 17, 2026. The event brought together innovators, researchers and industry partners to showcase product development in the textile sector.The recognition reflects the organization’s ongoing research in wearable technology aimed at addressing healthcare, security, disaster management and agricultural challenges through innovative product technology.