BEST PRACTICE - I

INSTITUTION'S INNOVATION COUNCIL (IIC) AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT CELL (EDC)

1.Title of the Practice: ‘Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education through Institution's Innovation Council (IIC)’

2.Objectives of the Practice

• The primary objectives of the IIC at Velalar College of Engineering and Technology are:
• To create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students, faculty, and staff.
• To provide a platform for nurturing innovative ideas and translating them into viable products and services.
• To promote collaboration and networking among stakeholders to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
• To create a sustainable innovation ecosystem within the institution and the community.

3. The Context

• Velalar College of Engineering and Technology is one of the leading educational institutions with a strong focus on academic excellence and over all development of students situated in rural areas and a rapidly evolving socio-economic environment. The college offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various branches of Engineering and Management studies. The college has a diverse student population from different backgrounds. In this context, the college identifies the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in preparing its students for the future. To this end, the college has established an Institution's Innovation Council (IIC), in line with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. This report aims to highlight the best practices implemented by II C in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among its stakeholders.

4. The Practice

• The IIC at Velalar College of Engineering and Technology has implemented several best practices to achieve its objectives, including:

ConductingInnovationand Entrepreneurshipworkshops:

• The Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) of the college conducts various awareness programmes such as Seminars, Workshops, training programmes, experience sharing sessions, ideation and boot camps, and etc., These programmes are aimed at making the student community more enthusiastic towards entrepreneurial activity. Entrepreneurship Development Cell aims to catalyze and promote the development of knowledge-based and innovation-driven enterprises and promote employment opportunities amongst students and to inculcate a culture of innovation driven entrepreneurship.

Organizing Hackathons and Ideation competitions:

• The IIC of the college organizes hackathon and ideation competitions to encourage the students to showcase the innovative ideas and receive feedback from mentors and renowned experts in the field. This is a good platform for the students.

Building industry-academia partnerships:

• The IIC has established partnerships with industry players like EEDISSIA, Erode, CII-Yuva chapter, Tex Valley, Chithode and AIC-RAISE incubation centre, Coimbatore and other stakeholders to promote collaboration and networking, and to facilitate knowledge on innovation and technology transfer.

Developing a sustainable innovation ecosystem:

• IIC of VCET develops a sustainable innovation ecosystem in the college that involves fostering a collaborative environment where students, faculty, and industry partners can work together to create solutions that promote sustainability. This ecosystem integrates sustainability into the curriculum, support interdisciplinary collaboration, and provide resources for entrepreneurship through incubators and accelerators.

5.Evidence of Success:

• The impact of these best practices on students, faculty, and staff has been significant, as evidenced by:
• The creation of several successful start-ups by students.
• Increased participation in innovation and entrepreneurship workshops, hackathons, andidea competitions.
• The students’team comprises Krishnaa. S, Mathan. L, Ragul. N, Purusothaman. A. M, Sabari. M, and Neketha. R. M from Second Year ECE won Rs. 1 Lakh prize money for their Project titled “Technological solution for Early decomposition of Faecal Matter” in the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2023, jointly organized by MHRD & AICTE on 21st to 23rd December 2023 at Lovely Professional University, Punjab.
• Recognition from external agencies like EDII-TN and Startup TN and organizations for the institution's contribution to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

6.Problems Encountered:

• The IIC at College has faced several challenges in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, such as:
• Resistance to change among some stakeholders.
• Limited funding and resources for implementing the best practices.
• Lack of awareness among students about the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship.

7. Notes

• The institution's Innovation Council in VCET has emerged as one of the best practices of the college, given its reach and impact. It has yielded very encouraging results since its implementation, and alumni of VCET will remember with pride and appreciate with gratitude the community that has shaped their lives and personalities. VCET is always keen on the holistic development of its student community, and this system is one of its key tools that ensure any obstacle in the developmental path is identified and cleared without delay.

8. Contact Details

Name of the Principal: Dr.M.Jayaraman Name of the Institution:Velalar College of Engineering and Technology
City:Erode
Pin Code:638012
Work Phone: 0424-2244201,204,206
Fax:0424-2244205
Website www.velalarengg.ac.in
E-mail:principal@velalarengg.ac.in
Mobile:9750924402