AICTE introduced the AICTE-IDEA (Idea Development, Evaluation & Application) Lab Scheme on January 1, 2021, with the goal of creating the infrastructure necessary for new generation learning in institutions that have been approved by AICTE. The goal of this is to motivate students to apply the basics of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to their own ideas in order to improve their hands-on experience, learn by doing, and even product visualization.

G H Patel College of Engineering & Technology is one of 49 colleges from around India that were shortlisted in June 2021 to launch IDEA Labs, co-funded by the AICTE and industry/institution under the programme. The overall cost of the IDEA Lab project at GCET is Rs. 114.93 lakh, of which Rs. 55 lakh is contributed by the AICTE and Rs. 59.93 lakh is contributed by GCET.

Two laboratories of the GCET AICTE-IDEA Lab are outfitted with the most cutting-edge, industry-standard equipment, including a CNC turning machine, CNC wood router, CO2 laser cutter and engraver, SLA and FDM 3D printers, vinyl cutters, 3D scanners, computer workstations, and PCB milling machines. IDEA Lab also has a long list of auxiliary tools and measurement devices that are employed in a variety of engineering specialties, including electrical, electronic & communication, computer, information technology, etc. The IDEA Lab facilities also include two other labs: a project lab and a computer lab with roughly 30 computers each. About 3000+ square feet of space is utilized for IDEA Lab.

By utilising these current state-of-the-art facilities of the institute in addition to facilities of IDEA Lab, IDEA Lab is actively involved with various types of technical activities such as skill development activities, internship programmes, incubation activities, product and prototype development, sample production, conduct of workshops/conferences for teachers and students of colleges and high schools, industry persons, etc.

Along with providing fundamental training in 21st century skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, research, interaction, communication, and lifelong learning, the AICTE-IDEA Lab at GCET consistently makes every effort to help engineering graduates become more imaginative and creative. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasises interdisciplinary education and research, and the IDEA Lab at GCET provides professors with the infrastructure they need to dive in.

Beyond textbook learning, the focus of GCET IDEA lab is to train the students so that they become imaginative and creative and stay so at the workplaces they join. IDEA Lab regularly organises training sessions for the students and supports various project works. IDEA lab inculcates the minds of life-long learners by providing access to a physical and virtual platform that supports the spirit of inquisitive and creativity. GCET IDEA lab aspires to serve the society and nation by providing graduates who are skilled critical thinkers, problem solvers, innovators and team players.

Objectives

• To provide all facilities under one roof for the conversion of an idea into a prototype.
• Training in the 21st century skills- critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration etc.
• Making engineering students more curious, imaginative and creative; engineering education more engaging
• IDEA lab will be centred around activities and events to promote multidisciplinary education and research