Tata Technologies, a global product engineering and digital services company, announced the successful conclusion of the 3rd edition of its flagship engineering innovation hackathon, Tata Technologies InnoVent 2026, supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Launched in June 2025, this edition of InnoVent invited engineering students across India to build solutions for “Innovating the Future of Smart Mobility Powered by Intelligence, Engineered for 2030”, tackling real-world challenges in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. The initiative continues to strengthen Tata Technologies’ engagement with academia, helping young engineers develop future-ready skills and engineering better careers for themselves. 

InnoVent 2026 drew a powerful response from campuses across the country:
- 10,247 participants
- 2,822 unique projects
- 404 colleges from 28 states across India
- 39% participation by women

Mr. Warren Harris, MD & CEO of Tata Technologies noted - "InnoVent at Tata Technologies represents our conviction that the future is shaped by those who combine engineering excellence with human purpose to engineer a better world."

Over 650 hours of innovation training and mentoring were delivered by the Tata Technologies Business Excellence team and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to help students translate their ideas into robust prototypes ready for real-world environments.

The innovation journey culminated in the Demo Day hosted at Tata Technologies’ Hinjewadi campus in Pune, where the top 10 teams showcased their prototypes to an eminent industry jury comprising:

- Warren Harris, CEO & MD, Tata Technologies

- Lalitha Indrakanti, CEO, Jaguar Land Rover – Technology and Business, Services India (JLR-TBSI)

- S K Dash, Chief Technical Officer, Air India

- Marc Wille, CEO, ES-Tec Group

- S Sukanya, COO, Tata Technologies

After a detailed evaluation, the jury announced the following winners:

First Prize – ₹3,00,000

- Team Drushti

- Intelligent Customization of Vehicle Infotainment System for Visually Impaired Drivers based on Medical Conditions

- CMR College of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad

Second Prize – ₹1,00,000

- Team The T-Factor

- Avoiding Breakdowns Through Automatic Self-Prevention Using Edge-based AI

- Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai

Third Prize – ₹50,000

- Team SwarmSync
- Intelligent Fleet Operations Management using V2X Communication
- International Institute of Information TeTechnology (I²IT), Pune

In addition to the top three awards, all 42 finalists received career opportunities with Tata Technologies, providing them with a platform to continue their innovation journey within the organisation. All participants also received one-year access to the iGETIT learning platform, enabling them to deepen their skills in emerging technologies.

Top 10 finalist projects at InnoVent 2026

1.Intelligent Fleet Operations Management using V2X Communication – Team SwarmSync, International Institute of Information Technology (I²IT), Hinjewadi, Pune

2.Enhancing Connected Vehicle Security Using Blockchain Solutions – Team Unified Logic, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore

3.Wireless Battery Charging Solution for Moving Electric Vehicles – Team Techtronix, VEL Tech Multi-Tech, Chennai

4.Intelligent Customization of Vehicle Infotainment System for Visually Impaired Drivers Based on Medical Conditions – Team Drushti, CMR College of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad

5.Real-time Road Hazard Monitoring System for Vehicle Safety – Team Empty Road, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai

6.Real-time Fault Detection System in EVs Fleet Using Smart Simulation Using OTA Platform – Team Grid Gurus, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat

7.Avoiding Breakdowns Through Automatic Self-Prevention Using Edge-based AI – Team The T-Factor, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai

8.Development Of a Hybrid Vehicle With CNG-powered Range Extension – Team EcoDrive Innovator, Sanjivani University, Kopargaon

9.AI-led Intelligent Battery Monitoring System – Team EN3RGE, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal

10.A-pillar Blind Spot Elimination and Steering Feedback System for Safer Driving – Team Jupiter07, SR University, Warangal

These projects reflect the breadth of innovation across safety, energy efficiency, accessibility, fleet optimisation, cybersecurity and next-gen EV systems.

A humanoid robot played multiple roles throughout the event, including:

- welcoming jury members and dignitaries with programmed gestures and greetings,

- coordinating the panel discussion by asking curated questions to industry leaders,

- performing celebratory dances during the award announcements,
engaging with students and teams by taking selfies and interacting with them,

- demonstrating advanced conversational and social capabilities.

The robot became a symbol of how AI, robotics and human ingenuity can come together to reimagine the future of work and learning.
A panel discussion with industry leaders also explored themes such as innovation, global demand for engineering talent, and the role of emerging technologies s in shaping the future of mobility, offering students real-world context and inspiration.