Teachers turn entrepreneurs in Kerala

KOCHI: He prompted the young to dream and innovate and the university named after him is now giving wings to his words by scripting a new chapter in technology education in the state. The Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Kerala Technological University (KTU), by  joining hands with the Federal Institute of Science and Technology (FISAT), has turned engineering teachers into entrepreneurs. The step has been taken based on thefact that if the students have to be made entrepreneurs, first those who teach them need to take that path.

A three-day workshop for 36 faculty members from 11 top engineering colleges held at FISAT from July 28 turned out to be the nursery  for this leap. Ten days prior to the event titled ‘Makers’ Workshop,’ they were alerted and they branched out into eight groups at the workshop. There was a students’ group from FISAT. Experts from Innovation, Incubation and Entre-preneurship Development Cell (IEDC) in FISAT took them through stages like idea submission, screening idea, product concept, market analysis, product development, product testing, market testing and finally product launch.

FISAT also offered facilities like 3D printer, electronics lab and computer lab. The result was amazing on the fourth day. Each group came up with simple, but innovative products like gas leaking detector, bus stop alarm, smart socket for electrical equipment, smart calling bell, self-watering system, lizard repeller, smart knee and smart iron box.
 

They were launched in the presence of KTU Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr M. Abdul Rahman. The expert committee appointed to review the products commented that a few of them are exceptionally good in market situations and patenting can be sought.

“This is what is expected of the faculty of an engineering college so that they can lead students to formulate innovative ideas,” Mr Abdul Rahman told DC. Mr Rahman added that KTU will take steps to organise such workshops in the engineering colleges in the state. Mr. Paul Mundadan, chairman, FISAT, said that by 2020 there will be at least 100 startups on FISAT campus.