InventX, formerly known as Invention Factory, is an intensive six-week residential summer program that trains engineering, science, and design students to develop patentable inventions. Through hands-on problem-solving, prototyping, and expert mentorship, participants refine their ideas and gain a deep understanding of the innovation process. By the end of the program, each team files a provisional patent application, ensuring that their work has real-world impact.

Since its inception, InventX has hosted over 200 students from 300+ institutions, resulting in more than 120 provisional patent applications filed in India and the U.S. Initially receiving participation from IIT and NIT students, the program expanded in 2024 to welcome applications from all engineering, science, and design colleges across India.

The residential structure fosters a collaborative environment where participants not only build technical expertise but also develop critical thinking, decision-making, and effective communication. All participants walk out confident in their patenting, pitching, and product development skills. InventX offers a unique opportunity to move beyond theory and actively engage in the process of invention, preparing students to lead in technology and innovation.  

Key Dates

12th April
InventX 2026 Applications Close
First Week Of May
Shortlist Announcement
22nd May to 24th May
Report to IIT Gandhinagar
28th May to 30th May
Report to IIT Jammu
25th May to 3rd July
Event Duration at IIT Gandhinagar
1st June to 10th July
Event Duration at IIT Jammu
3rd July
Finale Event at IIT Gandhinagar
10th July
Finale Event at IIT Jammu
Invention Factory 2022

Why InventX?

Students work very hard to enter engineering colleges like IITs and NITs. They learn from top- notch Faculty and acquire domain knowledge. What they do not know is how to be creative. How to invent novel systems. This is much to the detriment of the long-term goal of engineering education. Fostering creative engineering is an essential skill that can be taught but is not currently taught in universities. This is the gap which Invention Factory aims to address. Throughout the 6 weeks program, the young graduates learn to develop an inventive attitude and acquire skills that they can leverage for the rest of their lives be it as creative inventors, effective problem solvers and future business leaders for the nation.

What Students Learn

"I am leaving here with this tremendous sense of optimism. This is what real innovation is, otherwise you can have guys like me sit and solve complex algorithms and sometimes wonder who does it benefit other than getting me a good name in research journals"

Ajit BalakrishnanChief Executive Officer at Rediff.com

“With many ups and downs full of emotions, this journey has been about more than just our achievement—it has been a transformative experience of growth I have developed, not only as an innovator but also as an individual, gaining confidence in pitching ideas and understanding the patenting process.

Our diligent efforts led us to explore numerous patents and successfully file a provisional patent application for our invention.”

Sanskar PurwarIIT Jammu

“Every week we had guest evaluators, who gave recommendations that helped us build our invention. Ultimately, we could build what we believed in and make it a success.

We are grateful to the donors and MBF who brought such an outstanding opportunity for us Now it feels like I have been associated with them forever.”

Akanksha Saini1st Runner Up, IIT Bombay

2026 IIT Jammu Winners

Urjit Bhavsar, Karishma Batra and Krutarth Patel won the 1st prize at InventX held at IIT Jammu for developing the “Syringe with a Retractable Needle”, an innovative syringe designed to prevent accidental needle-stick injuries during recapping and disposal. By allowing the needle to retract safely into the barrel after use, the device significantly reduces the risk of transmitting infections such as HIV and Hepatitis.

Abhinav, Ujjwal and Priyanka won the 2nd prize at InventX held at IIT Jammu for developing the “Anti Snag Zip System”, a redesigned zipper mechanism that addresses zipper entrapment injuries in children while improving overall zipper performance. The solution incorporates a bulbous-geometry zipper slider handle that prevents fabric snags and enhances safety and functionality.

Saloni Morbale, Dev Vora and Jatin Saini won the 3rd prize at InventX held at IIT Jammu for developing the “Sleep Compatible Jet Nebulizer”, a redesigned jet nebulizer that enables effective aerosol delivery even when tilted during use. The solution improves liquid delivery while preserving the existing atomization system, eliminating the need for costly redesigns or revalidation of the nozzle and vaporizer head.

2026 IIT Gandhinagar Winners

Ihsaan K S, Shreyansh Jain and Ritik Gupta won the 1st prize at the InventX program at IIT Gandhinagar for developing the “Wearable Dog Deterrent Device”, a fully automated, child-friendly wearable designed to protect children from aggressive stray dog attacks. The device features dynamic frequency adjustment and 360-degree coverage, providing an effective and hands-free safety solution.

Priya Kyal, Khushi Singh and Daksh Beniwal won the 2nd prize at InventX held at IIT Gandhinagar for developing “Snake Bite First Aid”, an automated first-aid device designed to reduce fatalities caused by snakebites. The system immobilizes the affected limb and applies the recommended pressure of 40–70 mmHg during transit to the hospital, enabling timely and effective pre-hospital care.

Harnoor, Ujjwal and Rishabh won the 3rd prize at  InventX held at IIT Gandhinagar for developing the “Fish Storage Box for Fish Hold”, an insulated storage solution designed to reduce fish spoilage and improve food security and economic resilience. Built with a sustainable natural-fiber core between two food-grade panels, the box features an inclined tray and drainage system that minimizes crush pressure and removes meltwater to extend the shelf life of the catch.

InventX: Participation Data

2018

IIT GN

20 students

10 teams

5 IITs

10 Provisional Patents filed in USA & India

2019

IIT GN

28 students

14 teams

9 IITs

14 Provisional Patents filed in USA & India

2022

IIT GN & IITB

39 students

20 teams

15 IITs

20 Provisional Patents filed in USA & India

2023

IITJ, IIT GN & IITB

60 students

30 teams

12 IITs & 6NITs

30 Provisional Patents filed in USA & India

2024

IITJ, IIT GN & IITB

58 students

30 teams

14 IITs, 4 NITs, 1 BITS, 1 design schools & 14 private colleges

30 Provisional Patents filed in USA & India

2025

IITJ & IIT GN

60 students

20 teams

23 IITs, 7 NITs, 3 BITS & 30 private colleges

20 Provisional Patents filed in USA & India

2026

IITJ & IIT GN

59 students

20 teams

17 IITs, 4 NITs, 1 BITS & 33 private colleges