The AICTE Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamp hosted at Alliance University provided an engaging platform to promote innovation and entrepreneurial skills among educators and students. The two-day event featured insightful sessions, hands-on workshops, and interactive discussions led by esteemed speakers and mentors.

Welcoming Remarks

The event commenced with a warm welcome by Assistant Professor Tina Babu and Professor Sheila Mahapatra from the Alliance College of Engineering and Design, who highlighted the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among school teachers. Pro-Chancellor Mr Abhay G. Chebbi highlighted the significance of the IDE Bootcamp in empowering teachers to nurture creativity and critical thinking in students.

Keynote Addresses

Mr Sam Jaikumar, Innovation Manager at the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell, AICTE, stressed the role of teachers in guiding students to tackle complex problems through entrepreneurship. He applauded the IDE Bootcamp's nationwide reach, which was conducted across multiple locations. Vice-Chancellor Dr Priestly Shan shared insights into the role of innovation in India's economic growth, narrating inspiring stories and urging early engagement of students in innovation through university labs.

Perspectives on Education and Innovation

Dr Indrani Bhaduri, Professor of Education and CEO at NCERT, commended the initiative for empowering educators with innovative curriculum, mentoring, and support for student-led projects. Similarly, CBSE Director Dr Biswajit Saha detailed initiatives aligned with NEP 2020, such as the Design Thinking Model and School Innovation Councils, to integrate schools and universities in fostering innovation.

Insights on the IDE Bootcamp

Dr Abhay Jere, Innovation Director at the Ministry of Education's Institution Innovation Council, described the IDE Bootcamp as transformative, encouraging proactive approaches alongside technical skills and emphasising the value of intellectual property creation. Mr Yogesh Brahmankar, Innovation Director at the Ministry of Education's Innovation Cell, appreciated the collaborative efforts of all contributors and highlighted the programme's vision and impact.

Industry-Led Sessions and Workshops

The sessions, led by industry experts such as Mr Prakash Nimbalkar and Mr Nagaraj Prakasam, focused on critical aspects of innovation and entrepreneurship, including design thinking, entrepreneurial skills, and problem-solving. Hands-on activities and workshops emphasised identifying customer needs, prototyping, and financial literacy, equipping participants with practical tools to drive entrepreneurial success.

Exploring Resources for Innovation

Participants explored Alliance University's Incubation Centre and Centre of Excellence, gaining insights into the university's efforts to foster innovation and support startups. The Incubation Centre showcased its facilities, mentorship programmes, and success stories, demonstrating how ideas are nurtured into impactful ventures. The Centre of Excellence highlighted advanced technologies, research resources, and collaborative spaces that empower students and entrepreneurs to develop prototypes and scale their projects. The visit emphasised Alliance University's commitment to providing a robust platform for innovation and entrepreneurship through strategic partnerships and state-of-the-art resources.

Conclusion and Acknowledgments

The event concluded with closing remarks by Vice-Chancellor Dr Shan, who emphasised the importance of such initiatives in shaping future leaders. Certificates and mementoes were distributed to acknowledge the contributions of volunteers and distinguished guests. The IDE Bootcamp successfully inspired educators to integrate entrepreneurial thinking in classrooms, fostering a culture of creativity, problem-solving, and innovation to drive India's growth and development.