AICTE-IDEA (Idea Development, Evaluation & Application) LAB SCHEME
AICTE-IDEA (Idea Development, Evaluation & Application) Lab Scheme
The AICTE-IDEA Lab Scheme aims to enhance the educational landscape across India by establishing state-of-the-art Idea Labs in AICTE-approved institutions. This initiative is designed to promote the practical application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) principles, ultimately fostering an environment for hands-on learning and innovation among students.
Overview of the Scheme
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is spearheading the establishment of IDEA Labs to facilitate the development and application of innovative ideas within educational institutions. This initiative will support students in cultivating essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, design thinking, collaboration, and effective communication. As articulated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister following the National Educational Policy 2020, the IDEA Lab will serve as a vital resource for enhancing the creative capacities of engineering graduates.
Objectives of the IDEA Lab
The primary goal of the IDEA Lab is to provide a comprehensive facility for transforming concepts into prototypes seamlessly. By having access to such facilities, students and faculty members will be motivated to engage in creative endeavors, gaining training in innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving that traditional laboratories often overlook.
Key Features of the Proposal
For the IDEA Lab to significantly impact the educational framework, proposals must outline:
- A clear vision for the lab’s operation
- A comprehensive implementation strategy
- Resource mobilization plans
- Faculty engagement and enthusiasm
- Facility utilization and expansion strategies
Proposals that align with national missions or cater to disadvantaged sections will have a competitive advantage. Shortlisted proposals will undergo an expert panel review prior to AICTE’s project approval.
Implementation Requirements
It is expected that educational institutions, including colleges and universities, will contribute financially to the establishment of the IDEA Lab. The following are the basic requirements:
- A minimum area of 5000 sq. ft. for the lab
- 24×7 operational availability
- Facilities and tools necessary for prototype development
- Conducting workshops, ideation sessions, and competitions
- Maintenance of a secure and well-furnished environment
- Provision of adequate staff and operational support
Institutions must adhere to AICTE guidelines and maintain compliance with the Code of Conduct as outlined in the provided annexures.
Financial Assistance and Benefits
The total estimated cost for setting up each AICTE Lab is ₹1,10,00,000, comprising non-recurring expenditures of ₹80,00,000 and recurring expenditures of ₹30,00,000 over two years. AICTE will provide a financial support of up to 50%, amounting to ₹55,00,000.
Training Opportunities
The IDEA Lab will offer various training programs for both faculty and students focusing on:
- Creative thinking
- Problem-solving techniques
- Collaborative skills
Below is a table outlining the mandatory activities and their frequency to ensure the lab’s effective utilization:
| Event & Duration | Target & Batch Size | Objective & Justification | Frequency/Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDP (6 Days) | Faculty (20) | Training faculty on equipment usage to guide students | Twice a year |
| Skilling Programs (6 Days) | Students (20-30) | Training in various technological fields | Once per quarter |
| Bootcamps (12 Days) | Faculty (5-10) | Extended training for faculty on diverse topics | Twice a year |
| Ideation Workshops (3-5 Days) | Students (30-40) | Generating ideas for lab projects | Once every three months |
| Awareness Workshops for Industry (2 Days) | Industry Participants (5-10) | Encouraging industry engagement | Once every three months |
| Internships (2 to 6 months) | Students (15-20) | Hands-on training related to coursework | As per curriculum |
| Professional Skilling Programs (12 Days) | ITI Students or Class 10/12 Pass Students (5-10) | Training in practical skills | Once a quarter |
| School Teachers Awareness Program (6 Days) | Teachers of Nearby Schools | Demonstrating lab capabilities | As required |
Eligibility Criteria
- Institutions must be AICTE-approved engineering colleges or university departments with a minimum of 10 years of existence.
- At least one course should have live NBA accreditation.
- Financial contributions of at least 50% are required from aspiring institutions.
- A minimum built-up space of 3000 sq. ft. must be provided for the lab.
- Support staff and necessary operational facilities must be available.
Application Process
To apply for the IDEA Lab Scheme, follow these steps:
- Visit https://idealnet.aicte-india.org/.
- Click on ‘Log In’ and then select the ‘Register’ button.
- Use the ‘Get Details’ button to auto-populate your institution’s information, including Name, Address, and Email.
- Enter your Institute’s Permanent ID and fill in the required details.
- Create a password and click ‘Register’.
- Check your email for an activation link and click on ‘Verify Email’ to activate your account.
Post-Registration Steps
After successful account activation, log in using your registered email ID and password at https://idealnet.aicte-india.org/login. From there, navigate the side menu bar to access the necessary tabs for document submission and further actions.
Eligibility Criteria
AICTE-approved engineering colleges/ university departments in existence for having at least 10 years and at least one course with live NBA accreditation.
Aspiring institutions shall have to muster financial contribution to the tune of at least 50% for the IDEA Lab. Weightage will be given to additional quantum of funds, coming specially from industry.
The institution must provide a built-up and furnished space of 3000 sq. ft. to house.
The institution must provide all support staff, facilities and amenities required to operate and maintain the Lab.
Benefits
Financial Assistance:
Estimated project cost per AICTE Lab is ₹ 1,10,00,000/- non-recurring expenditures (covering the cost of equipment, tools and consumables) of₹ 80,00,000/- and recurring expenditures (covering the cost of events and activities for two years) of ₹ 30,000,00/-. AICTE can provide up to 50% i.e. ₹ 55,00,000/-.
Training to Faculties and Students:
Various types of training will be provided to the faculties and the students on creative thinking, problem solving, collaboration, etc.
Activities to be conducted by an IDEA Lab:
The following table lists activities/ events and their number/ frequency in AICTE IDEA Lab and there has to be commitment to conduct minimum numbers, to be eligible for sanctioning of the project.
Sr. No.Event & DurationTarget & Batch size Objective & JustificationFrequency/Numbers
1.FDP (06 Days) Faculty (20) Faculty needs to be trained on equipment, to be able to guide students and conduct events- including those from other institutions Twice in a year
2.Skilling Programs (06 Days) Students (20-30)Training in areas like electrical and electronics fabrication, embedded systems design. Embedded programming, 3D printing, robotics, welding, IOT, Machine learning, Al, bio-engineering, biomedical, etc One per quarter
3.Bootcamps (12 Days) Faculty (05-10) Training of faculty (including those from other institutions, spread over a few weeks, continuing at workplaces, if required Twice a year Twice a year
4.ldeation workshops (03-05 Days) Students (30-40)To generate ideas on which students can work in the IDEA Lab, including field visitsOnce in three months
5.Awareness Workshops for Industry (02 Days) Industry participants (5-10) Publicizing IDEA Lab among industries, to encourage them to use the facilities Once in three months
6.Internships (2 to 6 months) Students(15-20) For hands-on training as part of their course-work during summer and winter vacations. Internships based on industry problems should be preferred. As per curriculum.
7.Professional Skilling Programs (12 Days) ITI students or class 10/12 pass students (5-10) Welding, 3D printing, mechanical fabrication. etc Once in a quarter
8.School Teachers Awareness Program (06 Days) Teachers of nearby schools Demonstration and providing hands-on experience of facilities Twice a year (during school vacations)
9.Projects by School Students identified by schools (10-15)Opportunity for school students to do projects Once a year (as per convenience)
10.Open Day for school students (one day)Students (class XI-XIl) nominated by schools (25-30) Exposure to facilities in IDEA Lab to ignite their minds (on Science Day/Technology Day/Teachers Day/ Engineers Day)Once a year (as per convenience)
11.Participation in annual technical exhibitionsNationwide IDEA labs Technical exhibitions etc For example, Tech FEST, Mind SPARK, etc. organized by renowned Institutions/ Industries, etc to showcase activities/products/prototypes developed in IDEA labs Once in a year
12.Newsletter Nationwide IDEA labs To disseminate information to all the labs about activities of other labs, technology issues, any interesting developments, etc. Monthly/Bi-monthly
13.WebpageAll stakeholdersFor web-presence of IDEA Lab, and showcasing itself before the stakeholders and other IDEA Labs Weekly/Bi-weekly updation
14.Annual conference/ symposium of all IDEA labs All IDEA Labs, DIY labs or similar labs across the nation/outside the nation alsoTo promote active interaction, showcase of lab activities, promote collaboration at national and international level labs Once in a year
Application Process
Apply OnlineRegistration Process:
Go to https://idealnet.aicte-india.org/
and click on 'Log In' then on 'Register' button.
Click on Get Details button. The details of the Institute including Name, Address and Email will auto populate. Now Enter your Institute’s Permanent Id.
Enter all the mandatory details.
Set a password for and click on 'Register'.
After successful registration, the applicant will get an e-mail for the account activation to the registered Email Id during registration.
Click on the 'Verify Email' button in the e-mail to activate your account.
Post-Registration Process:
After the successful account activation, you can login to the website using the email id and password: https://idealnet.aicte-india.org/login
Open the side menu bar and nagigate to the follwing tabs then fill the required data Click on 'Save' button to save the details: Institute Details; HOI & Faculty Coordinator Details; Build Up Area Details; Credentials of Institute/Department; Credentials of Chief Mentor(HOI); Credentials of Faculty Coordinator; Credentials of Faculty Co-coordinator; Proposal for the Project;
Now Navigate to 'Non-Recurring Expenditure' tab,
This consists of Four tabs: Part-I (Equipment); Part-II (Consumables); Part-III (Tools) and Part-IV (Optional Equipment/Consumable/Tool).
Fill the required data and Click on 'Save' button to save the details.
Navigate to 'Non-Recurring Expenditure' tab, using the side menu bar.
This consists of two parts: Part-I and Part-II.
Fill the required data and Click on 'Save' button to save the details.
Navigate to “Contribution to Budget” tab, using the side menu bar.
Upload the files and click on 'Save' button.
Navigate to “Preview & Submit” tab, using the side menu bar,
Check all the filled details and can submit the application by clicking on 'Submit' button afterchecking the declaration. You cannot edit any details once submitted.
References & Official Links
Scheme Details
| Full Name | AICTE-IDEA (Idea Development, Evaluation & Application) LAB SCHEME |
| Short Title | AIIDEALS |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Infra |
| Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Categories | Education & Learning |
| States | All India |
| Gender | All |
| Age Range | 10 — 50 years |
| Area | Both |
| Source | www.myscheme.gov.in ↗ |
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