IIT-Delhi opens doors to its scientific backbone on CRF Day
From microscopes capable of capturing biomolecules at near-atomic resolution to laboratories supporting semiconductor and medical device research, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi showcased the scale of its advanced scientific infrastructure during ‘CRF Day 2026’ on Wednesday.
The annual event, organised by IIT Delhi’s Central Research Facility (CRF), brought together researchers, industry leaders, startups, government agencies and technology partners to explore the institute’s cutting-edge research ecosystem and collaborative opportunities.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the “CRF Handbook” by IIT Delhi Director Prof Rangan Banerjee. The handbook provides a streamlined overview of the sophisticated facilities available across the institute’s Hauz Khas and Sonepat campuses.
Speaking at the event, Prof Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi, said, “The ultimate goal of IIT Delhi’s Central Research Facility is to provide cutting edge research facilities and be an enabler for globally competitive and locally relevant research. We aim to provide 24x7 access to researchers and students within IIT and across the country.”
The CRF supports research in diverse areas including biomedical sciences, clean energy, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental sciences and advanced materials.
Among the major facilities showcased was the 300 kV Cryo Electron Microscope under SATHI IIT Delhi, which helps researchers study biomolecules and cellular structures at near-atomic resolution. Other advanced instruments included the Electron Probe Micro Analyzer (EPMA), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer (SCXRD), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), all of which are used for high precision materials and structural analysis.
The event also featured the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) facility used in food safety, environmental testing and forensic science, along with mPragati, a national centre focused on developing and commercialising medical device technologies.
Prof Manidipa Banerjee, Head, CRF, IIT Delhi, said, “The IIT Delhi hosts one of the largest sophisticated research facilities in the country, spread over the Hauz Khas and Sonepat campuses. CRF Day is our annual event where we bring together representatives from all CRF facilities, academia, industry, and government stakeholders to promote collaboration and innovation.”
The institute said the CRF ecosystem aims to make world class scientific infrastructure more accessible and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry. Technical talks and poster presentations during the event highlighted ongoing research and opportunities for innovation in emerging deep tech sectors.
