Demonstrating high-caliber scientific ingenuity on a premier international platform, four undergraduate engineering students from IIT Hyderabad have earned global acclaim for their sustainable energy research. Competing at the TECO International Contest 2026 hosted at National Taiwan University, the young innovators secured the prestigious 'Excellence Award'. Their work on advancing solar photovoltaic resilience stood out among top international engineering submissions, highlighting the rising impact of Indian collegiate research in renewable power technologies.
Breakthrough Research Achieved in First Year of College
The award-winning cohort consists of four first-year BTech students from IIT Hyderabad: Mahek Gadiya, Raki Mohammad, Udit Maini, and Yug Nikesh Gandhi. While introductory college semesters are traditionally focused on core coursework, these students engaged with complex material science challenges right from the outset of their degree. By presenting an advanced hardware solution on an international stage during their very first year, the team demonstrated that dedication and rigorous scientific methodology can transcend academic seniority.
Sole Indian Finalist Team at the Global Engineering Contest
The TECO International Contest 2026, conducted at National Taiwan University in Taiwan, brought together cutting-edge student projects from across the globe to compete in technological and sustainable innovation. Among the intense competition, the delegation from IIT Hyderabad distinguished itself as the only finalist team representing India. Their presentation impressed the global evaluation panel, ultimately earning them the coveted Excellence Award for delivering practical engineering in clean technology.
Engineering Humidity-Tolerant Perovskite Solar Cells
The core of the students' project centered on 'Humidity-Tolerant Perovskite Solar Cell Fabrication'. Perovskite materials have long been recognized for their high energy conversion potential, but ambient humidity and moisture typically degrade the material rapidly, diminishing power output and long-term durability. Addressing this key vulnerability, the students engineered a fabrication method that enables the cells to withstand elevated moisture levels without forfeiting functional capacity. This breakthrough holds considerable promise for making solar power installations more durable and cost-effective across humid geographical environments.
Academic Guidance and Incubator Laboratory Infrastructure
Transforming this technical concept into a functional laboratory prototype required structured mentorship and specialized research infrastructure. Throughout the investigation, the team worked under the academic guidance of Dr. Ashish Kulkarni from the Department of Chemistry. Furthermore, critical experimental hardware and incubator laboratory facilities provided by Pavakah Energy played a vital role in supporting the fabrication and testing phases, enabling the undergraduate team to meet stringent international benchmarks.
