A group of 42 enthusiastic school students and nine accompanying teachers completed an inspiring four-day journey into the world of materials science and engineering at the Materials Camp-2025 held on the IIT Kanpur campus. Designed and delivered by Material Advantage@IIT Kanpur in collaboration with the Advanced Centre for Materials Science, the camp offered a blend of lectures, hands-on experiments, lab tours and industry exposure that left participants both informed and motivated to pursue careers in engineering.

The camp kicked off with an introductory session on the fundamentals of materials - what they are, how they are made, and why their properties matter in everyday life. Over the next three days, students dug deeper. Working in small teams guided by volunteer researchers and senior students, they polished metal samples, prepared microscope slides and learned to interpret grain structures under both optical and electron microscopes.

A major highlight came on Day Two with a guided tour of the ACMS laboratories. Participants witnessed the scanning electron microscope revealing micro-scale details, saw X-ray diffraction patterns unveil crystal structures, and observed mechanical testing rigs measure a material’s strength. These up-close encounters with research-grade equipment gave students a first-hand view of the tools scientists use to push the boundaries of what modern materials can do.

On Day Three, the group travelled off campus to Anod Plasma Spray Limited. There, the students watched protective coatings being applied to turbine blades and spoke with engineers about how materials performance and durability are critical in power generation and aerospace industries. This real-world perspective helped bridge the gap between textbook concepts and industrial applications.
The final day saw students return to the campus for interactive demonstrations in chemical vapor deposition, polymer compression molding and wettability experiments. A special session on virtual reality environments allowed students to manipulate atomic models and simulate material behavior on screen. Throughout, faculty and graduate-student mentors encouraged questions, fostered discussion and challenged campers to think critically about choices of materials and processes.

Prof. Anish Upadhyaya, Chair IIM Kanpur Chapter and Head of the Advanced Centre for Materials Science, noted in his closing address that early exposure to cutting-edge techniques is crucial for nurturing the next generation of engineers. “We designed this camp to go beyond theory,” he said. “By immersing students in real lab work and industrial visits, we hope to spark curiosity and build confidence.”

Prof. Kantesh Balani, Head, MSE and Chair, INAE Kanpur Chapter, commenting on the event, said, “When students see these processes up close, abstract ideas turn into tangible experiences. They go from simply reading about alloy properties to truly understanding how minute changes in processing can lead to vastly different performance.”

A majority of the participants reported that they are now considering materials science and engineering as their future field of study — a remarkable jump from the near-zero interest level at the camp’s outset. Teachers, too, praised the balanced program of lectures, practicals and industry engagement, calling it a model for experiential learning in STEM education.

Materials Camp-2025 was made possible with generous CSR support from Integra Micro Systems Private Limited, alongside backing from the IIT Kanpur Development Foundation, ASM International (IIM Kanpur Chapter), INAE Kanpur Chapter, and the Dean of Resources & Alumni office. Organizers extend heartfelt thanks to all faculty mentors, technical staff, student volunteers and partner organizations whose dedication turned this vision into reality.