AICTE–IDEA Lab at Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology (SKCET)
Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology (SKCET) has been selected as one of the prestigious institutions across India for establishing the AICTE–IDEA (Idea Development, Evaluation, and Application) Lab. The AICTE–IDEA Lab is a dedicated facility aimed at transforming innovative ideas into functional prototypes under one roof, encompassing ideation, design, evaluation, fabrication, and application.
Infrastructure and Facilities
The SKCET AICTE–IDEA Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art, industry-grade infrastructure to support ideation, design, prototyping, and product realization. The lab houses major fabrication and prototyping equipment, including:
- CNC turning and lathe–milling machines
- CNC wood router
- Laser cutting and engraving system
- PCB milling machine
- Vinyl cutter
- FDM 3D printers
- 3D scanners
- Dedicated computer workstations for design, simulation, and control
Overall, more than 3000 sq. ft. of dedicated space is utilized to facilitate hands-on learning, innovation, and startup-oriented product development in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives.
Academic, Innovation, and Industry Engagement
By effectively leveraging the institute’s existing advanced infrastructure along with the dedicated facilities of the AICTE–IDEA Lab, the lab actively supports a wide range of technical and innovation-driven activities, including:
- Skill development and hands-on training programs
- Incubation and startup support
- Product ideation
- Prototype design and development
- Sample fabrication
- Technology demonstrations
The AICTE–IDEA Lab also serves as a hub for workshops, training programs, and conferences for students, faculty, school students, and industry professionals, thereby fostering a strong ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry–academia collaboration.
Learning Ecosystem and Multidisciplinary Integration
The SKCET AICTE–IDEA Lab is committed to providing 24×7 access and training to students, enabling continuous learning, experimentation, and innovation beyond conventional classroom hours.
The lab strongly emphasizes multidisciplinary integration, breaking traditional academic silos by facilitating cross-departmental projects through shared infrastructure and collaborative initiatives. IDEA Lab activities are seamlessly embedded into the academic curriculum to enhance experiential and hands-on learning, while strong industry partnerships are cultivated to evolve the lab into a Center of Excellence for innovation, product development, and real-world problem solving.
Through these initiatives, the SKCET AICTE–IDEA Lab aspires to serve society and the nation by nurturing graduates who are skilled critical thinkers, innovative designers, effective problem solvers, and collaborative team players.
Vision
To nurture a vibrant innovation ecosystem in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) and promote a self-reliant society (Atmanirbhar Bharat) by inculcating the culture of product development and innovation among students and faculty.
Mission
- To transform innovative ideas into viable products through a structured design and development process
- To provide hands-on learning using cutting-edge technologies that enhance practical and entrepreneurial skills
- To foster strong industry and startup collaborations for technology transfer and real-world impact
- To build a highly skilled workforce through certification and training programs in association with reputed agencies
Objectives
- To provide hands-on, multidisciplinary learning for transforming ideas into prototypes
- To promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup culture among students and faculty
- To strengthen industry–academia collaboration through real-world problem solving
- To enhance technical skills and employability through training programs, certifications, and FDPs
- To develop socially relevant technological solutions aligned with NEP and Atmanirbhar Bharat
SKCET AICTE IDEA Lab Team
Dr. K. Porkumaran, AICTE IDEA Lab Chief Mentor, principal@skcet.ac.in
Dr. P. Ashoka Varthanan, AICTE IDEA Lab coordinator, ashokavarthanan@skcet.ac.in
Dr. R. Soundararajan, AICTE IDEA Lab co-coordinator, soundararajan@skcet.ac.in
Dr. V. P. Srinivasan, AICTE IDEA Lab co-coordinator, srinivasanvp@skcet.ac.in
Dr. A. Sathishkumar,AICTE IDEA Lab Tech Guru & AP/MECH, sathishkumara@skcet.ac.in
Mr. N. Ramachandran,AICTE IDEA Lab Tech Guru & AP/MECH, ramachandrann@skcet.ac.in
Dr. J R Dineshkumar,AICTE IDEA Lab Tech Guru & AP/ECE dineshkumarjr@skcet.ac.in
Dr. P. Vinoth Kumar,AICTE IDEA Lab Tech Guru & ASP/EEE, vinothkumarp@skcet.ac.in
Idea Lab Activities
The Design Thinking and IDEA Lab course was included in Regulation 2025 for all First-Year students (I & II Semester) on 12 August 2025.
Photos: IDEA Lab projects demonstrated by our students to Dr. K. Porkumaran and Dr. P. Ashoka Varthanan, in the presence of faculty members, on 17th December 2025.
