Nagpur: Ketan Mohitkar, Member Secretary of Indian Council for Technical Research and Development (ICTRD), was invited as the Chief Guest at the DIPEX–2026 Vidarbha Region Idea Presentation Round, held on 1st February 2026 at Yashwantrao Chavan College of Engineering (YCCE), Nagpur, where he emphasized the importance of innovation-driven and problem-solving approaches in technical education among students.

DIPEX–2026, in its thirty-fifth edition, is recognized as one of India’s most prestigious state- level exhibition-cum-competitions of working models. Jointly organized by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and SRIJAN Trust, the initiative provides a structured platform for students from engineering, agriculture, and technical backgrounds across Maharashtra and Goa to present innovative and socially impactful projects.

Addressing students, academicians, and evaluators, Ketan Mohitkar emphasized that innovation should not remain confined to theoretical concepts but must be driven by real- world problem-solving. He highlighted that student projects must reflect originality, technical depth, and practical applicability, especially in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, energy, infrastructure, and digital technologies. He further noted that innovation becomes meaningful only when it creates tangible value for society.

He also underlined the importance of platforms like DIPEX in nurturing creativity, discipline, and an entrepreneurial mindset among students. According to him, early exposure to expert evaluation and industry interaction helps students refine their ideas and align them with real- world demands and future industry expectations.

The DIPEX–2026 selection process follows a rigorous multi-stage approach, including online registrations, project submissions, and regional-level idea presentation rounds. Shortlisted participants will advance to the final exhibition-cum-competition scheduled to be held in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Projects are evaluated on key parameters such as innovation, originality, feasibility, functionality, and social impact, ensuring a high standard of participation.

The initiative continues to serve as a vital platform for grassroots innovation, encouraging students to transform academic concepts into working models and practical solutions. By promoting strong Industry–Institute–Society interaction, DIPEX contributes significantly to building a skilled and innovation-ready workforce aligned with national priorities.

Highlighting ICTRD’s role, he noted that the organization remains committed to promoting technical education, research-driven innovation, and capacity building. Through its continuous engagement with academic institutions and innovation platforms, ICTRD aims to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and policy, thereby fostering sustainable and scalable innovation ecosystems.

The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished dignitaries including Shri Devashish Gotarkar, State Secretary, ABVP; Shri Ashish Uttarwar, Trustee, SRIJAN; Sushri Riya Hindocha, Incubation Incharge, DIPEX 2026; Shri Utkarsh Nagapure, State Convener, TSVK; Prof. Abhay Mudgal, President, ABVP Nagpur; and Shri Virendra Paunikar, City Secretary, ABVP, who contributed to the successful conduct of the program.