Inauguration of EYERis Lab and ACEi – Midterm Hackathon 2026

Aravind-Chennai, 21-23 August 2026

Aravind-Chennai launched the EYERis Lab on the first floor, marking a new step towards advancing research, innovation, and impact in eye care. Rajendra Mootha, Head, New Initiatives, IITM Pravartak and former COO, IIT Madras Research Park, inaugurated the lab in the presence of Dr. R. Venkatesh, CMO, Aravind-Pondicherry.

A special highlight of the launch was the Midterm Hackathon 2026, held on the same day. The three-day programme brought together doctors, engineers, and healthcare professionals to address real-world clinical challenges through innovative and impactful solutions. The event was sponsored by Aurolab.

Of the 38 problem statements received, 12 were shortlisted. A total of 786 applications were received from nine institutions, with 36 participants selected to take part in the hackathon. The judging panel, comprising internal and external members, provided valuable expertise, feedback, and encouragement to the participating teams throughout the event.

Prizes worth up to Rs. 1,00,000 were awarded to the winning teams. The first prize went to the Tirunelveli team, led by Dr. Sarita Ravindran, Fellow, for Ergo Fit. The second prize was awarded to the Tirupati team, led by R. Nivetha, Biomedical Engineer, for Cotoxa. The third prize was jointly awarded to Tono Clear, developed by the Madurai and Tirupati teams and led by K. Rajathi, VC Technician, and Dr. Aneesh Aggarwal, DNB. A Special Mention was awarded to Lid Lift, led by Dr. Lakshana Malla Lokanathan, Chennai.