Media Release
Bengaluru, Nov 23: The AICTE's Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Boot Camp 2024 commenced at Alliance University to equip educators with tools to guide students in developing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
The inaugural session featured remarks by assistant professor at Alliance University, Dr Tina Babu, and associate director of research (academics), Dr Sheila Mahapatra, who also serves as the SPOC for the AICTE IDE Boot Camp 2024. They outlined the programme’s objective of supporting entrepreneurial thinking among educators and students.
Pro-chancellor of Alliance University, Abhay G Chebbi, spoke on the potential of the IDE Boot Camp to help teachers guide students in identifying opportunities and addressing challenges. He highlighted the importance of focusing on sustainable business practices and emerging technologies to tackle real-world issues.
Innovation manager at the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell, AICTE, S Sam Jaikumar, discussed the role of teachers in helping students develop practical solutions. He noted the scope of the IDE Boot Camp, which is being conducted across 20 locations in 17 states.
Vice-chancellor of Alliance University, Dr Priestly B Shan, emphasized the impact of innovation on India’s economy, linking local efforts to the country’s Amrit Kaal 2047 vision. He encouraged collaboration between educational institutions and industry to expand opportunities.
CEO and head of PARAKH at NCERT, Prof Indrani Bhaduri, spoke about the development of new curricula, teacher training, and fostering partnerships between schools and universities to support student entrepreneurship.
Director of CBSE, Dr Biswajit Saha, urged schools to adopt hands-on learning and programmes like the school ambassador training programme to strengthen support for entrepreneurial students.
Vice chairman of AICTE and chief innovation officer at the Ministry of Education’s Institution Innovation Council, Dr Abhay Jere, described the IDE Boot Camp as a platform to foster innovative mindsets. He suggested adopting frameworks like design thinking to develop practical solutions.
Participants visited Alliance University’s Incubation Centre and Centre of Excellence, where they explored resources designed to support start-ups and develop projects.
Sessions by experts
Startup mentor and advisor at MeitY Startup Hub, NASSCOM, and Wadhwani Foundations, Prakash Nimbalkar, conducted three sessions: ‘Introduction to innovation and design thinking principles', focusing on design thinking and customer needs; ‘Exploring entrepreneurial skills,’ highlighting personal strengths, networks, and teamwork; and ‘Identifying problems and opportunities', addressing unmet needs through innovation.
Angel investor and mentor, Nagaraja Prakasam, conducted a session on guiding students through entrepreneurship. He explained the importance of understanding customer needs and solving problems with practical solutions suited to the Indian market.
The event highlighted the ministry of education’s programmes to promote entrepreneurship through teacher training. Teachers were encouraged to apply these tools in classrooms to help students develop problem-solving skills and prepare for future challenges.
The IDE Boot Camp 2024 concluded its first day with discussions on the role of teachers in guiding students towards innovation and solutions for growth.