The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), in association with the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, hosted Nano Jatha 2026, a national science outreach initiative that introduced students to the fascinating world of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology through lectures, interactive demonstrations, exhibitions and hands-on learning experiences. The programme was organised as one of the flagship pre-events leading to Bengaluru India Nano 2026, India's premier Nanotechnology event scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from August 3–5, 2026.

The day-long event brought together students, faculty members, researchers and science enthusiasts from educational institutions across Hyderabad and neighbouring regions, creating an engaging platform to explore how Nanotechnology is transforming diverse sectors, including Healthcare, Agriculture, Electronics, Advanced Materials, Clean Energy, Nanoelectronics, 5G/6G communications, Autonomous Navigation, Space technologies and Environmental sustainability. The programme was inaugurated by Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, and Prof. B. L. V. Prasad, Director, CeNS, Bengaluru and National Coordinator of Nano Jatha, who highlighted the growing importance of Nanoscience in addressing some of the world's most pressing technological and societal challenges.

“There is plenty of scope for Nanotechnology towards building a sustainable society. Nanotechnology is shaping the future of Healthcare, Communication, Energy, Manufacturing and Sustainable development. At IIT Hyderabad, we believe that scientific knowledge must extend beyond laboratories and inspire society, especially young minds. Nano Jatha is a wonderful initiative that kindles curiosity, encourages scientific thinking and helps students appreciate how research at the Nanoscale is creating technologies for humanity. Such outreach programmes are essential in nurturing the next generation of scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs which is similar to the objective of the Science Communication initiative." said Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad.

Prof. B. L. V. Prasad, Director, CeNS, Bengaluru and National Coordinator of Nano Jatha, said “Current global challenges need researchers with a multidisciplinary skill set. The current era is the “Nano Era” where Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies enable an advanced yet sustainable future. Nano Jatha is one such event, which provides inspiration from historical milestones and demonstrations that motivate young minds to choose their career path in building our Nation through innovative thinking, leading to disruptive, cutting-edge technologies.” 

Throughout the day, participants experienced an exciting blend of expert lectures, science roadshows, interactive sessions, video presentations, Nano quiz competitions, student project exhibitions, and live demonstrations showcasing the science behind everyday technologies. Demonstrations included Gold nanoparticles, Galvanisation reactions, Piezoelectric pavements, Electricity generation from fruit juice, Humidity sensors, Graphene-based electrical circuits, Fog-on-demand technology, and Sustainable Sodium-ion batteries, allowing students to witness how Nanoscale phenomena translate into practical real-world innovations.

Students from CBIT, MGIT, Osmania University, JNTU, Kukatpalli, Mahindra University, Tara Designs College, APJ Abdul Kalam Degree College, Government Degree College for Women, Begumpet participated in this program and also interacted with researchers and faculty members, gaining insights into emerging opportunities in Nanoscience, Advanced Materials, Semiconductor technologies and interdisciplinary research. The event further encouraged participants to showcase innovative projects developed at their institutions, fostering scientific dialogue and collaborative learning. To enable wider public outreach, the programme was also live-streamed through the IIT Hyderabad YouTube channel.

The event reflects IIT Hyderabad's continued commitment to promoting scientific outreach, innovation and experiential learning. By bringing cutting-edge research closer to students and the public, Nano Jatha 2026 reinforced the importance of Nanotechnology as a key enabler of future technologies and sustainable development while inspiring young learners to pursue careers in science, engineering and research.