AICTE-IDEA Lab Scheme 2025: Foster STEM Learning, Eligibility, Application

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The AICTE-IDEA Lab scheme, introduced by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), is designed to establish Idea Development, Evaluation & Application (IDEA) Labs in AICTE-approved institutions. The goal is to foster STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through hands-on learning, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and product visualization among engineering students. The IDEA Lab aligns with the National Educational Policy (NEP) 2020, promoting critical thinking, design thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Purpose of IDEA Lab

  1. Hands-On Learning:
    • Offers an all-in-one facility for converting ideas into prototypes.
    • Encourages creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative work.
  2. Transforming Engineering Education:
    • Exposes students to 21st-century skills.
    • Provides faculty and students with resources to explore innovative projects.
  3. Institutional Collaboration:
    • Supports partnerships with industry and participation in national/international events.
    • Provides exposure to IDEA Labs across the country, fostering cross-institutional collaboration.

Proposal Requirements

Institutions applying for the IDEA Lab scheme must:

  • Outline a clear vision for the Lab.
  • Detail the implementation plan, resource mobilization, and faculty involvement.
  • Align with national goals, industrial requirements, or societal development.
  • Demonstrate commitment of resources and the ability to sustain the Lab long-term.
  • Undergo a scrutiny process by a panel of experts before AICTE sanctions the project.

Implementation Guidelines

  1. Space & Facilities:
    • A minimum of 5000 sq. ft. dedicated space.
    • Ideally, the lab should remain open 24×7.
    • Equipped with tools and resources to translate ideas into prototypes.
  2. Operational Requirements:
    • Organize workshops, trainings, ideation sessions, boot camps, and competitions.
    • Participate in national/international events to showcase student innovations.
    • Provide support staff, ensure security, and maintain a safe working environment.
  3. Compliance:
    • Follow AICTE guidelines and adhere to Government of India rules.
    • Maintain ethical conduct as outlined in the Code of Conduct annexures.

Financial Assistance

  • Total Project Cost: ₹ 1,10,00,000
    • Non-Recurring Expenditures: ₹ 80,00,000 (equipment, tools, consumables).
    • Recurring Expenditures: ₹ 30,00,000 (events, activities for two years).
  • AICTE Contribution: Up to 50% (₹ 55,00,000).
  • Institutional Contribution: Minimum 50%, with additional weightage for contributions from industry partners.

Training and Activities

IDEA Labs will regularly organize training sessions, workshops, and projects to foster creativity and practical learning:

Event & Duration Target Audience Frequency
Faculty Development Program (6 Days) 20 Faculty Members Twice a year
Skilling Programs (6 Days) 20-30 Students Quarterly
Bootcamps (12 Days) 5-10 Faculty Members Twice a year
Ideation Workshops (3-5 Days) 30-40 Students Once every 3 months
Industry Awareness Workshops (2 Days) 5-10 Industry Participants Once every 3 months
Internships (2-6 Months) 15-20 Students As per curriculum
Professional Skilling Programs (12 Days) 5-10 ITI/Class 10/12 Students Quarterly
School Teachers Awareness Program (6 Days) Teachers from nearby schools Twice a year
School Projects 10-15 School Students Annually
Open Day for School Students 25-30 Class XI-XII Students Annually
Technical Exhibitions IDEA Labs Nationwide Annually
Newsletters IDEA Labs Nationwide Monthly/Bi-monthly
Webpage Updates All Stakeholders Weekly/Bi-weekly
Annual Conference/Symposium All IDEA Labs Annually

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Institutional Requirements:
    • AICTE-approved engineering colleges/university departments with at least 10 years of existence.
    • At least one NBA-accredited course currently active.
    • Institutions must provide 3000 sq. ft. of built-up and furnished space.
    • Institutions must allocate support staff and resources for maintenance.
  2. Financial Contributions:
    • Institutions must contribute at least 50% of the total project cost.
    • Additional weightage will be given for industry contributions.

Application Process Online

  1. Registration Process:
    • Visit the AICTE IDEA Lab Portal.
    • Click ‘Log In’ > ‘Register’.
    • Enter Institute Permanent ID and other required details.
    • Set a password and complete registration.
    • Verify the account through the email received.
  2. Post-Registration Process:
    • Log in with your credentials at AICTE IDEA Lab Login.
    • Fill in the required sections:
      • Institute Details, HOI & Faculty Coordinator Details, Built-up Area Details, Proposal for the Project, etc.
    • Enter Non-Recurring and Recurring Expenditure details.
    • Upload necessary budget contribution documents.
    • Review all entries under the ‘Preview & Submit’ tab and submit the application.

Note: Once submitted, editing is not permitted.

Documents Required

  1. Quotations for Equipment
  2. Industrial Contribution Commitment Letter
  3. Institute Contribution Commitment Letter
  4. Endorsement from the Head of the Institution

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is the IDEA Lab Scheme?
    The IDEA Lab is an AICTE initiative to promote hands-on STEM learning, creative thinking, and prototype development in engineering institutions.
  2. Who can apply for the AICTE IDEA Lab?
    AICTE-approved engineering colleges/university departments with at least 10 years of existence and NBA-accredited courses.
  3. What infrastructure is required for the IDEA Lab?
    A minimum of 5000 sq. ft. dedicated space with facilities for prototype development and 24×7 access.
  4. What is the funding model?
    AICTE provides up to 50% funding, and institutions must contribute the remaining 50% or more, with additional weightage for industry contributions.
  5. Can multiple institutions collaborate on one IDEA Lab?
    Yes, collaborations between institutions and industries are encouraged.
  6. Can institutions charge users for IDEA Lab usage?
    Institutions may set nominal fees for usage, subject to AICTE guidelines.
  7. When will AICTE release funds?
    Funds are released after proposal approval and adherence to specified guidelines.

Sources & References

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