Ahmedabad University Launches Student-Run Innovation Workshop Fitted with Advanced Equipment for Tinkering
Ahmedabad University, a leading private, non-profit research university in India, has introduced a unique initiative to inspire experiential learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship among its students. The heart of this initiative is the Tinkerers' Lab, a student-managed facility equipped with industrial-grade tools and materials, and a direct pathway to the University's incubation hub, VentureStudio.
The Tinkerers' Lab, housed within the School of Engineering and Applied Science, is a 24/7 hub offering access to cutting-edge tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics workstations, machine tools, hand tools, and precision measurement instruments. This lab provides students with the opportunity to build prototypes for academic coursework, entrepreneurial projects, or national competitions.
The Lab's ethos encourages a mindset of experimentation, where students learn by trying, failing, and iterating. It was launched in collaboration with the Maker Bhavan Foundation, AIA Engineering Ltd., and Arvind Composites.
VentureStudio: A Pathway to Commercialization
For students ready to transition their projects into startups, Ahmedabad University offers VentureStudio, an incubation hub that provides a direct commercialization pathway. This hub offers access to incubation resources, mentorship, and industry connections, supporting entrepreneurial ventures emerging from the hands-on lab environment.
LEAP Program: Skill-Building and Collaboration
The LEAP program, supported by IITM Incubation Cell, is associated with the Tinkerers’ Lab. This program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurial mindsets, and real-world application of engineering principles through initiatives such as boot camps, hackathons, design sprints, and faculty development programs. LEAP boot camps are open to engineering students who want to deepen their practical skills and participate in entrepreneurially oriented events and mentoring.
A Comprehensive Ecosystem for Hands-on Learning
Ahmedabad University’s programs provide open access to advanced fabrication and prototyping tools via the Tinkerers’ Lab, encourage innovation and iterative engineering, offer structured commercialization support through VentureStudio, and drive skill-building and collaboration via the LEAP program. This integrated ecosystem for hands-on engineering education and applied science impact is set to foster the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
The Tinkerers Lab is now open to all engineering students at Ahmedabad University's School of Engineering and Applied Science, starting this semester. With the support of leading companies like AIA Engineering and Arvind Composites, this initiative is poised to make a significant impact on technical education and capacity building in India.
[1] Ahmedabad University [2] Tinkerers Lab [3] VentureStudio [4] LEAP Program [5] IITM Incubation Cell
- Ahmedabad University's Tinkerers Lab, a student-managed facility equipped with advanced tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters, encourages experimentation and is open to all engineering students, offering opportunities for prototype building in academics, projects, or national competitions.
- The university's venture, VentureStudio, serves as a pathway for students ready to transition their projects into startups, providing access to incubation resources, mentorship, and industry connections for the commercialization of emerging entrepreneurial ventures.
- The LEAP program, supported by IITM Incubation Cell, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world application of engineering principles through initiatives like boot camps and hackathons, enhancing practical skills and entrepreneurial mindsets among engineering students.
- With the combined efforts of the Tinkerers Lab, VentureStudio, and the LEAP program, Ahmedabad University has created a comprehensive ecosystem for hands-on learning, aimed at fostering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, promoting a culture of sustainability, education, technology, and self-development.
