BCL-AICTE IDEA Lab

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi, in collaboration with Bathinda Chemical Limited (BCL), Bathinda, establishes Punjab's first IDEA Laboratory at MRSPTU Bathinda with a total investment of ₹1.11 crore (₹56,00,000 granted by BCL and ₹55,00,000 by AICTE). Named the BCL-AICTE IDEA Lab, this facility focuses on fostering innovation by applying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) principles through hands-on learning, practical experience, and product visualization.

AICTE sets up such advanced labs in reputed institutions nationwide to provide state-of-the-art facilities in areas like Artificial Intelligence, 3D printing, product development, and prototype design, offering comprehensive mentorship under one roof. The primary goal of this lab is to empower students to innovate and excel in STEM fields, enabling them to transform their ideas into real-world applications. The lab organizes camps, workshops, training sessions, and product development programs to support these objectives.

The majority of the equipment purchased under this grant consists of state-of-the-art technology with widespread applications in STEM fields such as engineering, architecture, food sciences, and pharmacy. Polytechnic, ITI, school students, and faculty regularly visit the facility and benefit from exposure to this advanced equipment during open day visits, student training programs, and workshops. Additionally, teachers benefit from Faculty Development Programs (FDPs), which continue to be conducted regularly.

1. Undergraduate / Postgraduate Research work/ Projects: The IDEA Lab is facilitating UG/PG students towards inculcating principles and methodologies of design thinking and prototype development.
2. Sensitization of students and Faculty: The facility is providing one stop location for students and faculty members from school, polytechnics colleges and researchers to sensitize them towards STEM disciplines and encourage them towards finding innovative approaches and critical thinking.
3. Revenue generation and financial sustenance: The IDEA Lab is a part of Research and Consultancy Network of the university to create more opportunities for revenue generation through consultancy work, product development, tech-transfers and IPRs.
4. As a Centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The IDEA Lab is working as a centre of Innovation to house future innovators and entrepreneurs at the initial level of their journey in collaboration with Entrepreneurship Development-cum-Business Incubation Cell of the university.
5. As a nuclei to create Innovator’s hub in the region: The IDEA Lab is organizing various competitions like Idea Pitch, hackathon, ideation workshops, tech exhibitions etc. to identify and support the future innovators.
6. As a Skill Development Centre: The IDEA Lab is organizing various events for skill development/upgradation of teaching faculty and technical staff viz FDPs, Professional Skilling Programs, Internships, Awareness Programs, Conferences and Symposium.

Idea Lab significantly augments the facilities of our institute. It acquires state-of-the-art equipment, enhancing the infrastructure and resources available to students and faculty across various departments, including engineering, architecture, food sciences, and pharmacy. This facilitates a more hands-on learning experience, better training programs, and increased exposure to advanced technologies for students and faculty.

Moreover, over 20,000 students from surrounding schools benefit from various events conducted at the IDEA Lab. The facility supports the development of diverse projects and products by undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The equipment procured under this program has significant academic applications across multiple disciplines. Students engage in hands-on activities, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, which enhances their understanding and skills.

The facility serves as a training center for new-age equipment and technologies, including 3D printers, CNC wood routers, CO2 laser cutters, mini desktop CNC lathe machines, PCB prototype machines, vinyl cutters, and 3D scanners. The IDEA Lab enriches experiential learning through hands-on training sessions and workshops, encouraging students to think critically and solve problems, ultimately leading to prototype development.

View Open House Visit Photographs

Dr. Rajesh Gupta, Coordinator, BCL-AICTE IDEA Lab (94631-35222)

Dr. Haramritpal Singh, Incharge/Tech Guru, BCL-AICTE IDEA Lab (9872409193)

Email: idealab@mrsptu.ac.in