Idea Lab

About the Idea Lab

AICTE-IDEA Labs build facilities in authorised institutions to support STEM education. These labs, co-funded by AICTE and business, run around the clock, encouraging experiential learning and developing 21st-century abilities like problem-solving and critical thinking. They act as shared spaces for academics, staff, colleges, universities, and businesses, fostering innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and research.

Objectives of SMVEC Idea Lab

Provide facilities for turning ideas into prototypes under one roof.
Provide training for 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and cooperation.
Encourage curiosity, imagination, and originality in engineering students, making teaching more engaging.
Focus on multidisciplinary education and research through a variety of activities and events.

Design Thinking Laboratory

IDEA Lab's Design Thinking Laboratory offers advanced software (e.g., Eagle, Fusion 360, Inkscape) for virtual design testing and innovation. Students work together to create visually beautiful ideas that efficiently address real-world problems.

Electronic System Design: A computer-controlled PCB milling machine uses a small end mill to remove material from copper-clad substrates precisely. This method creates the electrical traces and pads required for printed circuit boards (PCBs), allowing for the efficient production of complicated designs.

Laser cutting is a precision manufacturing technology that uses a concentrated laser beam to cut materials accurately. Using tools like Inkscape, complicated shapes and designs may be created quickly and easily. The procedure entails directing a high-powered laser beam onto the material to make accurate incisions.

The Internet of Things Laboratory

Conducts research, development, and testing of IoT devices and applications. It is equipped with powerful hardware and software tools, sensors, actuators, and communication modules, allowing researchers, students, and industry professionals to experiment with IoT technologies. The lab provides access to microcontrollers and wireless modules required for developing and testing IoT devices.

Additive Manufacturing Laboratory (3D Printing)

3D Printing revolutionises object design and manufacturing by creating complicated shapes and prototypes quickly and accurately. It creates layers of materials such as plastic or metal using computer-generated models, making it easier to produce sophisticated components for various purposes. A CNC Wood Router is a robust piece of equipment used in woodworking to create ornamental edges, elaborate designs, and precise cuts on various materials.

Training Offered in Idea Lab

Faculty

Faculty Development Programs (FDPs)

Students

Skilling Programs, Ideation Workshops, Internships

Industry Members

Awareness Workshops

ITI Students

Professional Skilling Programs

School Students

Projects

School Teachers

Awareness Programs

Monitoring Process

The IDEA lab process is monitoring as follows

15-20 parameters
Parameters: Input (Users / Equipment added / Investment), Process (Events / Utilization), Output (Prototypes / Patents / Revenue), Recognition (Award / Mentorship)
Performance Monitoring by IDEA lab
Monthly points, Cumulative Points
Composite score-based performance on the Lead board of IDEANET website
Light but Tight approach

Utilization by Students of Host Institute
Utilization by Students of Other Institute
Utilization by Faculty Members of Host Institute
Utilization by Faculty Members of Other Institute
Utilization by Alumni of Host Institute
Utilization by School Learners
Utilization by Entrepreneur / Start-up
Utilization by Industry

Patent Registered or Granted by utilization of AICTE – IDEA Lab
Awards received by utilization of AICTE – IDEA Lab
Projects completed by using AICTE – IDEA Lab
Handholding about AICTE – IDEA Lab in Network
Operational Hours of the AICTE – IDEA Lab (Every Day)
Investment in AICTE – IDEA Lab

Outcome of AICTE – IDEA Lab

AICTE-IDEA Lab encourages students to apply STEM fundamentals, enhancing hands-on learning, practical experience, and product visualisation.