Explore interesting inventions by IITians across India—from eco-friendly technology and healthcare devices to smart mobility and safety innovations. Source: The Better India.
India has long been known for its intellectual brilliance, but in recent years, a new narrative has taken center stage—innovation with purpose. From addressing environmental pollution and healthcare affordability to improving safety, mobility, and digital inclusion, Indian innovators are solving real-world problems with smart, scalable solutions.
At the heart of this transformation are the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Spread across 16+ campuses nationwide, IITs have become breeding grounds for ideas that don’t just remain inside laboratories but reach people’s lives in meaningful ways.
According to The Better India (TBI), a trusted platform highlighting positive and impactful stories, IITians are behind several inventions that combine technology, affordability, and social impact. Let’s explore some of the most interesting inventions by IITians across India that prove India’s potential to become a global innovation powerhouse.
1. i-Diya – A Palm-Sized Solar Lamp with Big Impact
Inventor: Sachin Kumar (IIT Bombay)
Category: Renewable Energy, Sustainable Innovation
The i-Diya is a perfect example of small innovation, massive impact. Designed to replace kerosene lamps commonly used in rural India, this palm-sized solar device works as a lamp, USB charger, and mobile charging port—all in one.
Sachin Kumar, an IIT Bombay graduate, spent three years researching alternative lighting solutions that are safe, eco-friendly, and affordable. In 2015, he co-founded Illumind Solartek with his friends to manufacture and distribute i-Diya.
Why i-Diya Matters
- Eliminates dependence on kerosene
- Reduces indoor air pollution
- Affordable pricing between ₹699 and ₹999
- First batch of 4,500 units sold out in just 10 days
This invention highlights how renewable energy solutions from IITians are directly improving rural livelihoods.
2. Turning Pollution into Ink – Innovation from IIT Delhi
Inventors: Ishani, Prateek, Kushagra & Arpit
Category: Environmental Technology, Clean Air Innovation
Air pollution is one of India’s biggest challenges—but what if pollution itself could be reused? Students from IIT Delhi’s Chemical Engineering Department developed a device that converts diesel exhaust pollutants into usable ink.
The device is attached to diesel generator exhausts and captures up to 70% of soot particles, preventing them from entering the atmosphere. This collected soot is then processed into high-quality black ink.
Key Highlights
- Selected under the Startup India initiative
- Reduces air pollution at the source
- Converts waste into a valuable product
- Promotes circular economy innovation
As featured by The Better India, this invention proves how IITians are rethinking waste management through technology.
3. Breathalyzer Helmet – Smart Road Safety Innovation
Inventors: Rishabh Babely, Naman Singhal & Shubham Jaiswal
Institute: IIT Bhubaneswar
Category: Road Safety, Smart Wearables
India witnesses thousands of road accidents every year due to drunk driving and lack of helmet use. Addressing this, IIT Bhubaneswar students designed a multi-functional breathalyzer helmet.
What Makes It Unique?
- Bike won’t start unless helmet is worn
- Breath analysis detects alcohol levels
- Engine locks if alcohol exceeds safe limit
- Bluetooth-based anti-theft alert system
Though still in prototype stage, this helmet showcases how IoT-based safety solutions by IITians can save lives.
4. True HB Hemometer – Affordable Healthcare Innovation
Inventor: Ambar Srivastava (IIT Delhi)
Category: Medical Devices, Healthcare Technology
Healthcare diagnostics are often expensive, especially in rural India. The True HB Hemometer addresses this gap by offering a low-cost hemoglobin testing device roughly the size of a smartphone.
Approved by AIIMS, the device provides results in 45 seconds using a simple paper strip blood test.
Why It’s Revolutionary
- Costs around ₹25,000 vs ₹1–2 lakh CBC machines
- Stores up to 1,000 readings
- Battery lasts for 300 tests
- No continuous power supply required
This is one of the most impactful healthcare inventions by IITians, making diagnostics accessible nationwide.
5. Netra UAV – The Life-Saving Drone
Startup: ideaForge
Institute: IIT Bombay
Category: Defense Technology, Disaster Management
Developed in collaboration with DRDO, the Netra UAV is an unmanned aerial vehicle designed for surveillance and rescue operations.
First used extensively during the Uttarakhand floods, Netra helped locate missing persons in difficult terrains where human access was nearly impossible.
Technical Highlights
- Weighs under 1.5 kg
- 4 km operational range
- 40-minute flight time
- Day and night surveillance capability
Netra stands as a powerful example of drone technology innovations from IITians serving national interests.
6. Ather Electric Scooter – Redefining Urban Mobility
Founders: Tarun Mehta & Swapnil Jain
Institute: IIT Madras
Category: Electric Vehicles, Clean Transportation
Born in the IIT Madras incubation cell, Ather Energy introduced one of India’s smartest electric scooters. With a sleek design and smart dashboard, it set new benchmarks in the EV market.
Key Features
- Fast charging (less than an hour)
- Top speed of 72 km/h
- Touchscreen dashboard with navigation
- Theft protection and ride modes
This invention marked a major leap in electric vehicle innovation in India.
7. SAFER Smart Pendant – Women’s Safety Reinvented
Startup: Leaf
Category: Women Safety Technology
The SAFER pendant is a wearable safety device that sends instant alerts when pressed twice. Connected to a mobile app, it shares real-time location updates with selected guardians.
Launched via crowdfunding during Raksha Bandhan, this innovation gained massive attention for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Why It’s Important
- Discreet and wearable
- One-touch emergency alert
- GPS-enabled tracking
- Designed for everyday use
A powerful example of women safety innovations by IITians.
8. Smart Noise-Filtering Earphones
Institute: IIT Roorkee
Category: Assistive Technology, Wearable Tech
These smart earphones allow users to filter background noise and amplify selected sounds using a smartphone app. They are especially useful for people with hearing impairments.
The inventors won the Ericsson Innovation Award, showcasing India’s strength in wearable technology innovation.
9. Driverless Bicycle for the Disabled
Institute: IIT Kharagpur
Category: Assistive Mobility
A team of 13 students from IIT Kharagpur developed a hybrid driverless bicycle for people with disabilities such as blindness or limb loss.
Features
- Electric-assisted movement
- Live GPS tracking
- Wireless connectivity
- Affordable price under ₹30,000
This invention highlights inclusive innovation from IIT campuses.
10. FOSS Laptop – Affordable Digital Education
Institute: IIT Bombay
Category: EdTech, Open Source Technology
Priced at just ₹6,000, this laptop runs on FOSSEE Linux, making digital education accessible to students across India.
Specifications
- 1 GB RAM
- 8 GB flash storage
- HDMI & USB ports
- Preloaded open-source software
It supports India’s mission of digital literacy for all.
Why IIT Innovations Matter for India’s Future
According to The Better India, these inventions are not just technological achievements—they are solutions with social purpose. IITians are:
- Solving grassroots problems
- Making technology affordable
- Promoting sustainability
- Creating job-generating startups
The interesting inventions by IITians across India prove that innovation doesn’t always mean complex or expensive—it means impactful. From renewable energy and healthcare to safety and mobility, IIT graduates are shaping a smarter, more inclusive India.
As highlighted by The Better India (TBI), these stories inspire a new generation of innovators to think beyond profit and focus on purpose.
India’s future is not just bright—it’s brilliantly innovative 🇮🇳🚀