IIT-ISM Dhanbad’s Vishnu Teja tops SPE South Asia contest, advances to Houston global finals
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Dhanbad, September 11: P. Vishnu Teja, an M.Tech student in Petroleum Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dhanbad, September 11: P. Vishnu Teja, an M.Tech student in Petroleum Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, has secured first position in the Master’s Division of the 2026 Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) South Asia Regional Student Paper Contest, earning a place in the international finals in Houston, USA.
Teja emerged as the regional winner with his research paper titled “Synthesis of Bio-Based Zwitterionic Surfactant for Use in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) at High-Temperature Reservoir Conditions.” His research focuses on developing a bio-based zwitterionic surfactant for Enhanced Oil Recovery, particularly for reservoirs operating under high-temperature conditions.
Teja to compete in global SPE finals in Houston
Following his success at the South Asia regional contest, Teja has been selected to compete in the 2026 SPE International Student Paper Contest finals, scheduled to be held on October 21 in Houston, Texas.
He will also present his research at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) 2026, scheduled from October 21 to 23.
“I am happy that my research has been recognised at the South Asia level. Presenting the work at an international platform in Houston will be a valuable opportunity to learn, interact with experts and showcase our research,” Teja said.
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Research focuses on bio-based surfactants for oil recovery
Teja’s research explores the development of bio-based surfactants that can be used to improve oil recovery from reservoirs operating under challenging high-temperature conditions.
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques are used to extract additional crude oil from reservoirs beyond what can be recovered through conventional production methods. Teja’s work seeks to develop innovative and potentially more sustainable approaches for improving recovery efficiency under demanding reservoir conditions.
IIT-ISM student wins South Asia regional contest
Teja represented the IIT-ISM Dhanbad Chapter in the Master’s Division of the SPE South Asia Regional Student Paper Contest, which was conducted virtually on April 21 and 22, 2026.
His selection for the international finals marks a significant academic achievement for IIT-ISM Dhanbad’s Petroleum Engineering programme and provides him with an opportunity to showcase his research before an international audience of petroleum engineering professionals, researchers and students.
The SPE International Student Paper Contest brings together student researchers from different regions, providing a platform for emerging researchers to present their work and engage with experts from academia and the petroleum industry.
Opportunity to connect with global petroleum experts
Teja is pursuing his M.Tech in Petroleum Engineering at IIT-ISM Dhanbad and is registered under the institute’s SPE chapter.
His research on bio-based surfactants aims to explore innovative solutions for Enhanced Oil Recovery under challenging reservoir conditions. The Houston event is expected to provide him with an opportunity to interact with researchers, industry professionals and other students working on advanced oil recovery technologies.
The achievement adds to IIT-ISM Dhanbad’s record of student participation and recognition in national and international academic and professional platforms.
