DIAT Pune Research Scholars Secure Top Positions at Falling Walls Lab 2026

Khadakwasla, 19th October 2026: Nine research scholars from the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune, received recognition at the international Falling Walls Lab competition, with Shruti Gupta securing second place and Kshitija Vaidya and Sayali Dondge jointly securing third place.

The scholars, who are pursuing PhD programmes under the guidance of Prof. K. Balasubramanian, Dean (Academics) and Professor in the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, presented research ideas aimed at addressing global challenges through science and technology.

Gupta secured second position for her research on high-pressure hydrogen storage, while Vaidya and Dondge jointly secured third position for their presentations on recoverable hydrogen and bioadhesives for bone healing, respectively.

The DIAT scholars presented research concepts spanning environmental remediation, healthcare innovations, sustainable materials, advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies.

Their selection for the competition placed them alongside participants from leading institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.

Organised by the Falling Walls Foundation, Berlin, with support from the German Federal Foreign Office, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Research Foundation (DFG), Springer Nature and Sartorius, the competition was held on September 2, 2026, at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology in Chennai.

According to the information released by DIAT, the competition received approximately 2,900 applications from more than 80 participating labs worldwide. In India, 287 applications were received, of which 112 were shortlisted for presentations.

Winners of the respective Falling Walls Lab competitions will advance to the global finale, scheduled for November 6, 2026, during the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin, Germany.

DIAT Vice-Chancellor Dr. B. H. V. S. Narayana Murthy congratulated Prof. Balasubramanian and the research scholars on their achievement. He appreciated their efforts and encouraged them to continue their research and pursue innovative ideas.