Signal India's NIOT Launches National Technothon for Deep-Sea Polymetallic Nodule Collection Technology

Summary

India's National Institute of Ocean Technology launched a National Technothon aimed at developing technologies for sustainably collecting deep-sea polymetallic nodules. The initiative seeks to boost indigenous technological capability and foster innovation to support India's Deep Ocean Mission and its vision of a resilient blue economy. Deep-sea polymetallic nodules are described as an important source of critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese, essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, advanced batteries and high-technology manufacturing. The technothon takes the form of a national technology competition designed to draw broad participation from industry, academia and research institutions. Through it, India is seeking to build its own deep-sea resource collection capability.