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• The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) launched the National Technothon on 3 August 2026 to promote indigenous technologies for sustainable deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection under India’s Deep Ocean Mission.
• Established in 1993 and headquartered in Chennai, NIOT functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and specializes in ocean engineering, marine technology, and deep-sea research.
• The Technothon invites participation from start-ups, industries, MSMEs, academic institutions, research organisations, innovators, and multidisciplinary teams to develop advanced deep-sea mining technologies.
• The competition focuses on designing environmentally sustainable systems capable of operating at depths ranging from 4,500 to 6,000 metres, where valuable seabed mineral resources are located.
• Two challenge categories include Impact-Less Nodule Collection System with Vertical Riser Transport and Impact-Less Nodule Collection System without Vertical Riser, encouraging innovative engineering solutions.
• Polymetallic nodules, also known as manganese nodules, contain nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese, which are critical minerals used in electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and advanced battery manufacturing.
• The initiative supports India’s Deep Ocean Mission, which focuses on ocean exploration, marine resource assessment, deep-sea technology development, and strengthening the country’s strategic capabilities in ocean science.
• The National Technothon also promotes the Blue Economy by encouraging sustainable utilization of marine resources, supporting innovation in seabed exploration, and reducing dependence on imported critical minerals.