EUREKA 2026 was a flagship pitching competition organised by the Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell) of
CIPET: Institute of Petrochemicals Technology (IPT), Ahmedabad. Held on 22 August 2026 in the
Conference Hall of the Admin Building, the event aimed to foster innovation, entrepreneurial thinking,
and real-world problem-solving among students and young innovators.
The competition provided a platform for participants to present original ideas to a jury comprising industry
professionals, technical experts, and academicians. With free registration and a focus on practical,
scalable solutions, Eureka 2026 attracted 13 competing teams. The event formed part of the broader
National Entrepreneurship Challenge (NEC 2026) ecosystem promoted by E-Cell IIT Bombay.
Our team of two – Arj Vikrambhai Gandhi and Maitri Shekhat – participated with two distinct deep-tech
ideas rooted in materials science and sustainability:
• Silicon Anode Binder (presented by Arj Vikrambhai Gandhi)
• Modified Reclaimed Rubber (presented by Maitri Shekhat)
The Modified Reclaimed Rubber idea secured the 1st Prize and received a Certificate of Achievement.
This report documents the event, our participation, the technical depth of both ideas, and the strategic
next steps for turning the winning concept into a viable startup.