AICTE Approved · AQIS ID: IDEA2024000132

IDEA Lab — Innovate. Design. Engineer. Apply.

The AICTE–IDEA (Idea Development, Evaluation & Application) Lab at Maharaja Institute of Technology Thandavapura is a 24×7 open maker space empowering students to transform STEM ideas into real prototypes.

"Engage · Explore · Experience · Express · Excel"

5000+
sq. ft. space
₹90L
total investment
24×7
open access
2026
established
What is AICTE IDEA Lab?

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched the IDEA Lab scheme in January 2021 to establish innovation hubs in approved engineering institutions. Co-funded by AICTE (50%) and the institution (50%), each lab receives up to ₹90L to build a cutting-edge fabrication and design ecosystem aligned with NEP 2020.

Hands-on Learning
Hands-on Learning
Students get real-world experience through ideation, prototyping, and product development — bridging classroom theory with practical application.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Open to all departments — engineering, science, and management — encouraging cross-pollination of ideas and diverse team building.
21st Century Skills
21st Century Skills
Critical thinking, design thinking, problem solving, communication, and lifelong learning — skills demanded by modern industry and global innovation.
IP & Entrepreneurship
IP & Entrepreneurship
Support for patents, copyrights, incubation, and startup development. Students and faculty are guided from idea to commercialization.
Industry Connect
Industry Connect
Outreach to MSMEs, startups, and industries for consultancy, testing services, and resource sharing under the "Make in India" initiative.
Societal Impact
Societal Impact
IDEA Lab addresses community needs through NGO partnerships and focuses on food, agriculture, healthcare, and smart city solutions.
Vision & Mission
VISION

Develop commercially viable products that address socio-economic needs through entrepreneurship and open innovation, leveraging the interdisciplinary approach of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

MISSION
  • Inspire students and researchers to harness their intellectual capabilities to generate new and original ideas.
  • Provide a centralized platform for students and researchers with innovative ideas and creative talents.
  • Make students more curious, imaginative, and creative, making engineering education more engaging.
  • Encourage faculty members to participate in industry interactions and research activities.
  • Establish the IDEA Lab to nurture the creative and entrepreneurial potential among young engineering students, providing seed funding for early start-up exploration from idea to prototype and Minimal Viable Product design.
Lab Zones & Infrastructure

The IDEA Lab spans 5000+ sq. ft. and is organized into distinct functional zones, each equipped with industry-standard tools and open to all students, faculty, schools, and nearby institutions.

Maker Space
CNC, woodworking & fabrication tools
3D Print Zone
FDM & SLA printers, 3D scanner
Electronics Lab
IoT, PCB milling, microcontrollers
Design Studio
CAD/CAM, Fusion 360, Inkscape
Robotics Lab
Automation kits, programmable bots
Ideation Room
Brainstorming & mentoring space
Infrastructure Highlights

Physical Infrastructure

5000+ sq. ft. space30-node computer labProject labSeminar hallHigh-speed internet24×7 accessCCTV surveillance

Software & Design Tools

Fusion 360Eagle PCBInkscapeAutoCADUltimaker CuraArduino IDEMATLABPython / Jupyter

Safety & Compliance

Fire extinguishersSafety goggles & glovesFirst aid kitESD-safe workstationsDust extraction system

Access & Outreach

Open to all departmentsNearby institutionsSchools & polytechnicsMSME & startupsNGO collaborations
Major Equipment & Tools

The lab houses a comprehensive list of industry-standard equipment for fabrication, electronics, prototyping, and digital design — all available under scheduled access.

Fabrication & Manufacturing
Laser Cutter & Engraver
Laser Cutter & Engraver
CO₂ laser — wood, acrylic, leather
FDM 3D Printer
FDM 3D Printer
Aion MK 500 — fused deposition modeling
3D Scanner
3D Scanner
Calibry Mini — structured light scanning
CNC Wood Router
CNC Wood Router
Computer-numerical controlled milling
Vinyl Cutter
Vinyl Cutter
Sticker, decal & signage production
Sublimation Printer
Sublimation Printer
Custom print on fabric, ceramics
Electronics & IoT
PCB Milling Machine
PCB Milling Machine
Precision circuit board prototyping
Mixed Signal Oscilloscope
Mixed Signal Oscilloscope
Signal analysis & debugging
Digital Storage Oscilloscope
Digital Storage Oscilloscope
Waveform capture & measurement
Reflow Oven
Reflow Oven
SMD soldering & PCB assembly
NodeMCU / ESP8266
NodeMCU / ESP8266 Kits
IoT development & wireless modules
Soldering Station
Soldering & Desoldering Station
Professional rework stations
Raspberry Pi Kits
Arduino / Raspberry Pi Kits
Embedded systems & prototyping
Hand Tools & Measurement
Power Tools Set
Power Tools Set
Drills, grinders, jigsaw
Manual PCB Drill
Manual PCB Drill
Precision drilling for circuits
C-Clamps & Vices
C-Clamps & Vices
Holding & clamping tools
Programs & Activities

IDEA Lab runs a structured calendar of events ensuring year-round engagement for students, faculty, industry professionals, and school students.

8
Ideation workshops / year
10
Skilling programs
6
Faculty boot camps
4
FDPs in 2 years
6mo
Internship duration

Ideation Workshops

8 structured workshops per year focusing on critical thinking, design thinking, and problem-solving for real-world applications across all engineering disciplines.

Student Internships

Hands-on 2–6 month internship programs providing industry-level experience in prototype development, fabrication, and innovation projects.

Faculty Development Programs

4 FDPs over two years offering emerging technology insights, research methodologies, and pedagogical innovation strategies to faculty members.

Industry Awareness Workshops

Sessions bringing industry professionals to campus, providing networking opportunities and exposing students and faculty to current market trends.

Hackathons & Competitions

National and international innovation competitions, smart India hackathons, and internal makethons to spark creative problem-solving and teamwork.

IPR & Startup Support

End-to-end support for patent filing, technology transfer, incubation, and commercialization. Students are mentored from ideation to product launch.

Sectors of Focus
Food & AgricultureHealthcareElectronics & CommunicationsRoad TransportationAdvanced SensorsTelecommunicationsEngineering IndustriesMaterials & ProcessesSmart CitiesRenewable Energy
Impact & Planned Outcomes

The IDEA Lab at MIT Thandavapura has just commenced its journey. We are in the exciting early phase of setting up activities, enrolling students, and building our innovation ecosystem. Below are our targets and the roadmap we are actively working towards.

The IDEA Lab is newly established in 2026 and activities are being planned and initiated. The metrics below represent our goals and targets for the first two years of operation. We look forward to building this space together with our students, faculty, and industry partners.
Targets for Year 1 & Year 2
200+
Students to be trained
Target — Year 1
20+
Prototypes to be built
Target — Year 1
5+
Patents to be filed
Target — Year 2
2+
Startups to incubate
Target — Year 2
8
Workshops planned
Year 1 calendar
IDEA Lab Impact Framework
INPUT (Setting up)
User registration driveEquipment commissioningInitial investment readyFaculty orientation
PROCESS (Initiating)
Events being scheduledEquipment trials underwayWorkshop series plannedMoUs being signed
OUTPUT (Targeted)
First prototypes plannedPatent filing roadmapRevenue model draftedStartup pipeline forming
RECOGNITION (Aspired)
Targeting SIH participationSeeking industry mentorsNational event entriesAICTE portal reporting
Upcoming Activity Roadmap

A snapshot of the planned activities being organized as we kick off the IDEA Lab experience at MIT Thandavapura.

Launched
IDEA Lab Inauguration & Orientation
Formal inauguration of the lab with student and faculty orientation sessions covering lab rules, equipment overview, and the IDEA Lab vision. All departments invited.
Upcoming — May 2026
Design Thinking Boot Camp
A 2-day intensive boot camp on design thinking methodology — covering empathy mapping, ideation, prototyping, and user testing frameworks.
Upcoming — June 2026
Equipment Hands-on Training
Structured training sessions on 3D printers, laser cutter, CNC router, and PCB milling machine. Batches of 20 students per session, conducted by TechGurus.
Planned — July 2026
Ideation Workshop Series (Round 1)
First of 8 annual ideation workshops. Students from all branches will pitch ideas addressing local and national challenges. Best ideas receive lab support.
Planned — Aug 2026
Industry Expert Guest Lecture Series
Monthly sessions with MSME leaders, startup founders, and domain experts to expose students to real-world technology trends and entrepreneurship pathways.
Planned — Sep 2026
Internal Makethon — "MIT Makes"
A 24-hour internal hackathon where interdisciplinary student teams build working prototypes. Winners get mentorship support and dedicated lab time.
Planned — Oct 2026
Faculty Development Program (FDP 1 of 4)
First FDP on IoT, AI/ML, and rapid prototyping — equipping faculty to mentor student innovation projects more effectively.
Planned — Dec 2026
Smart India Hackathon Preparatory Camp
A prep camp to train student teams for SIH 2027. Problem statements discussed and prototype plans drafted in collaboration with TechGurus.
Our Innovation Journey Begins
IDEA Lab Established — 2026
Officially set up with AICTE approval (AQIS ID: IDEA2024000132) and a total investment of ₹90 Lakhs. Infrastructure commissioned and team onboarded.
Student Registration Drive — In Progress
Enrolling students across all engineering departments as IDEA Lab members. Equipment access, safety briefings, and induction programme are being conducted.
First Workshop Series — Planned Q2 2026
Design thinking and hands-on equipment workshops will be the first milestone activities, introducing students to the maker mindset and STEM application.
First Prototype Development — Target Q3 2026
Student project teams will begin working on their first prototypes with guidance from TechGurus and lab coordinators. Industry problems will be prioritized.
Patent Filing & IP Support — Target 2027
Promising innovations from student and faculty projects will be taken through the IPR pipeline. Consultancy tie-ups for patent support are being explored.
Leadership & Coordinators

The IDEA Lab is guided by an experienced team of faculty coordinators, mentors, and TechGurus dedicated to driving innovation at MIT Thandavapura.

Dr. Y T Krishne Gowda
Dr. Y T Krishne Gowda
Chief Mentor
Dr. H K Chethan
Dr. H K Chethan
Coordinator
Dr. Sachin S
Dr. Sachin S
Co-Coordinator
Dr. Ajay Kumar K
Dr. Ajay Kumar K
TechGuru
Dr. Krupesh K S
Dr. Krupesh K S
TechGuru
Prof. Ravikumar K
Prof. Ravikumar K
TechGuru
Prof. Guruprasad
Prof. Guruprasad
TechGuru
Advisory Committee

The lab is guided by an AICTE-mandated steering committee comprising external industry experts, AICTE nominees, and institutional leaders to ensure quality, direction, and compliance.

AICTE Regional AdvisorIndustry Expert (MSME)Alumni RepresentativeIPR ConsultantStartup MentorSocial Innovation Expert
Contact & Location

Reach out to the IDEA Lab team for bookings, collaboration proposals, industry partnerships, or general inquiries. The lab is open 9 AM–6 PM (walk-in) and 24×7 for registered members.

Coordinator Email
chethanhk@mitmysore.in
Lab Phone
0821-3248795
Open Hours (Walk-in)
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Member Access
24 × 7
Address
AICTE IDEA Lab Block
Maharaja Institute of Technology Thandavapura, Mysore, Karnataka
Get Involved

Book the Lab

Students and faculty can reserve equipment slots via the AICTE IDEA Lab portal or by contacting the lab office directly.

Industry Collaboration

MSMEs, startups, and industries can partner with the IDEA Lab for consultancy, prototype testing, and co-innovation programs.

AICTE–IDEA Lab · Maharaja Institute of Technology Thandavapura, Mysore, Karnataka · Established 2026

AQIS Scheme ID: IDEA2024000132 · Approved under AICTE Institutional Development Schemes

AICTE ApprovedNEP 2020 AlignedNBA Accredited InstitutionMake in IndiaAtmanirbhar Bharat