National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, launched a National Technothon

National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, launched a National Technothon

¨     National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, launched a National Technothon on 3 August 2026.

¨     The initiative aims to develop technologies for the sustainable collection of deep-sea polymetallic nodules and supports India’s Deep Ocean Mission.

¨     NIOT was established in 1993 in Chennai.

¨     It functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and works on ocean technology, marine engineering, and deep-sea systems suited to Indian conditions.

¨     Polymetallic nodules are potato-shaped mineral concretions found on the deep ocean floor.

¨     They contain nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese, which are critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced batteries.

¨     The Technothon is open to start-ups, industries, MSMEs, academic institutions, research organisations, innovators, and multidisciplinary teams.

¨     The challenge focuses on technologies capable of operating at ocean depths of 4,500–6,000 metres.

¨     One competition category is “Innovative Impact-Less Nodule Collection System with Vertical Riser Transport.”

¨     The second category is “Innovative Impact-Less Nodule Collection System without Vertical Riser.”

¨     The Technothon promotes indigenous engineering solutions for the sustainable development of deep-ocean resources.