The Industrial Research and Consultancy Centre (IRCC), IIT Bombay held its flagship workshop - International Conference on New and Emerging Concepts (ICONS) during 20th - 21st Feb, 2026 on the theme Critical Raw Materials.

IIT Bombay has been recognized as a "A Centre of Excellence in Critical Minerals, Metals and Materials (CMMM)" under the National Critical Mineral Mission. In line with this National Mission, the workshop leveraged and showcased the unique strength of IIT Bombay, spanning across the entire value chain of Mines-Minerals-Materials-Magnets-Market. 

Attended by over 175 participants,  the workshop catalysis extensive discussions and opened new collaborative opportunities with a wide spectrum of stakeholders from academia, government, industry and policymakers. The brainstorming sessions delved deep into all aspects of the Mission with the participation from vibrant government decision makers, industry experts who detailed scientific and technological challenges. The discussions and knowledge exchange are already shaping up as meaningful collaborative projects.