Kochi will host the first edition of GraphIN 2026, an international conference and expo on graphene and 2D materials, from March 9 to 12 at Le Meridien Kochi. Billed as a flagship global platform themed “Pushing the Materials Beyond the Limits,” the summit aims to position India at the forefront of next-generation materials research and industrial innovation.
The event is jointly organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) through the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology in collaboration with the PHANTOM Foundation and the University of Manchester. It is supported by the India Innovation Centre for Graphene and the Centre of Excellence in Intelligent IoT Sensors initiative.Kerala has already distinguished itself as the first Indian state to launch a dedicated graphene policy, aiming to evolve into a global technology hub anchored in advanced materials and electronics manufacturing. Against this backdrop, GraphIN 2026 is expected to serve as a strategic convergence point for researchers, policymakers, startups, and industry leaders.
Graphene — a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice — is widely regarded as the thinnest and strongest known material. Despite being only one atom thick, it is lighter than paper, stronger than steel, and an exceptional conductor of electricity and heat. Beyond graphene, other 2D materials are drawing global interest for their extraordinary electrical, mechanical and optical properties.Ratheesh, Director General of C-MET, said the conference will focus on pushing materialsscience “beyond conventional limits” and accelerating the translation of laboratory breakthroughs into scalable industrial technologies. Y. Purushotham, Centre Head of C-MET, Thrissur, highlighted expanding applications in high-speed electronics, flexible displays, advanced batteries, smart coatings, water purification membranes and medical devices. Researchers are also exploring emerging materials such as MXenes and layered van der Waals structures that enable novel electronic behaviours.
GraphIN 2026 is sponsored by leading industry players including LOLC Advanced Technologies Pvt Ltd, Tata Steel Ltd and Carborundum Universal Ltd, among others, reflecting strong industry participation.Organisers said the four-day event will emphasise international collaboration, industry-academia partnerships, and pathways to commercialisation, positioning Kochi as a key node in the global graphene and 2D materials ecosystem.
Kochi to host GraphIN 2026 global graphene summit
