Lucknow: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) and its affiliated colleges are set to introduce innovation as a mandatory subject in the curriculum. More than 750 engineering colleges across the state will implement this change, requiring all students to study innovation, which will be awarded two academic credits. The initiative follows directives from the Union Ministry of Education, and AKTU has taken the lead in implementing it.
To facilitate the teaching of innovation, around 40 faculty representatives from various colleges have undergone a three-day training program at the university. These educators, primarily from existing incubation centers, were trained on the significance and various aspects of innovation. They will now guide students on innovation and incorporate it into the curriculum.
Understanding Innovation
Innovation refers to improving or modifying an existing idea, product, or service to make it more useful. For instance, the inventor of the telephone created a groundbreaking device, but the development of the smartphone falls under innovation. Enhancing previously invented products or concepts is considered innovation.
300 Incubation Centers to be Established with Rs 100 Crore
To promote innovation and support new startups, 300 incubation centers are planned across the state. The goal was to establish them within six months, and nearly 100 have already been completed. The estimated cost per center is around Rs 15 lakh, with AKTU securing a total fund of Rs 100 crore for the initiative.
Startups and Entrepreneurship
A startup begins with an innovative idea that must be validated by experts before being patented. Once approved, the idea transforms into a business, receiving financial support from the government. Investors are then invited to fund the product’s market launch. This entire process is known as entrepreneurship, with incubation centers playing a crucial role in providing necessary support.
The initiative aims to create a thriving ecosystem for innovation, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to contribute to the startup landscape effectively.
