Ideation & Discovery
Students explore real-world problems through empathy mapping, user research, and Socratic-guided ideation sessions.
PPG Idea Lab
Where Ideas Come to Life.
A hands-on innovation space where students build prototypes, explore emerging technology, and transform ideas into real-world solutions.
200+
Student Innovators
80+
Prototypes Built
15+
Hackathons Hosted
12
Active Projects
Idea Lab Overview
From Concepts to Working Models
The Idea Lab is PPG's flagship innovation space — a structured environment where students move from curiosity to creation through experimentation, mentoring, and collaborative problem solving.
Creative Problem Solving
Design sprints, lateral thinking exercises, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to generate diverse solution options.
Validation & Iteration
Rapid testing with real users, structured feedback loops, and iterative refinement guided by mentors and data.
Innovation and Idea Development
Structured Innovation Pipeline
Students follow a guided process — from empathy-driven problem discovery to fast, iterative solution design.
01
Design Thinking
Empathy-first workshops that teach students to define real user problems before jumping to solutions.
02
Rapid Prototyping
Structured sprints for turning validated ideas into testable physical or digital prototypes quickly.
03
User-Centric Iteration
Feedback loops with real users to refine prototypes, validate assumptions, and improve outcomes.
Projects and Prototypes
Hands-On Innovation
Student teams build and rigorously test prototypes with technical lab support and faculty mentorship — creating real-world impact.
IoT / EmbeddedLive Pilot
IoT Campus Solutions
Smart sensor networks for energy monitoring, attendance, and security across the campus infrastructure.
Green TechTesting
Sustainable Energy Prototypes
Low-cost solar and biogas micro-systems designed for rural communities by interdisciplinary student teams.
RoboticsPrototype
Automation & Smart Devices
Automated systems and custom microcontroller builds solving real-world logistics and accessibility challenges.
Workshops and Hackathons
Collaborate, Build, and Compete
Idea Lab hosts a rich calendar of innovation events — from intensive sprints to industry-partnered hackathons — designed to sharpen skills and spark breakthroughs.
Monthly
Innovation Sprints
Intensive 48-hour sprints where teams move from problem statement to working prototype with structured coaching.
Quarterly
Hackathons with Industry
Problem statements posed by partner companies — students compete for cash prizes and internship offers.
Weekly
Skill-Building Workshops
Hands-on sessions on electronics, CAD, AI tools, and rapid fabrication techniques led by expert mentors.
Semester
Demo Days & Showcases
End-of-semester showcase events where teams present to investors, faculty, and industry representatives.
Student Innovation Programs
Structured Innovation Tracks
Four clearly defined tracks to guide every student — from first-time innovators to teams ready for incubation — with milestones, mentors, and showcase opportunities.
Explorer Track
4 Weeks
Beginner-friendly track. Students explore design thinking, discover problems worth solving, and sketch their first concept.
Builder Track
8 Weeks
Intermediate program with guided mentorship to move from concept to functional prototype with regular milestone reviews.
Innovator Track
12 Weeks
Advanced program for teams with a validated idea ready for presentation at Demo Day and external competitions.
Incubation Fast-Track
Ongoing
For teams ready to transition into the Startup Incubation cell. Includes investor access and product-market fit sessions.
Achievements and Recognitions
Celebrating Innovation
Idea Lab teams have earned national recognition, filed patents, and won significant prize money — proving that student innovation creates real impact.
3x
National Winners
Idea Lab teams placed in the top 3 at Smart India Hackathon and Innovate India Challenge, competing against 500+ teams nationwide.
6
Patents Filed
Six utility patents filed by student teams in IoT, biomedical devices, and agricultural automation. Two already granted.
₹5L
Prize Money Won
Students won over ₹5 lakhs in prize money across corporate hackathons, AICTE initiatives, and district innovation fairs.
How to Join / Apply
Start Your Innovation Journey
Apply to Idea Lab programs in four straightforward steps. We welcome curious minds at any stage of their idea.
- 01
Submit Concept Note
Write a 1-page concept note describing your problem statement, proposed solution, and team composition.
- 02
Team Assessment
A panel of faculty and lab mentors reviews your submission and invites shortlisted teams for a quick interaction.
- 03
Orientation & Onboarding
Selected teams attend an orientation session, receive lab access, and are matched with domain mentors.
- 04
Start Building
Access the lab, begin your prototype track, and join the Idea Lab community of innovators.
Resources and Guidelines
Tools, Rules, and Access
Everything you need to make the most of Idea Lab — from safety guidelines to curated learning materials.
Lab Usage Guidelines & Safety
Rules for tool usage, personal protective equipment, emergency procedures, and lab etiquette.
Prototype Request Workflow
Step-by-step process to request 3D prints, PCB fabrication, or CNC machining from lab technicians.
Mentor Consultation Hours
Weekly schedule for domain expert office hours — book 30-minute slots with faculty and industry mentors.
Equipment Reservation System
Reserve oscilloscopes, soldering stations, 3D printers, and specialized instruments ahead of time.
Learning Resource Library
Curated learning paths for electronics, CAD, machine learning, app development, and product design.
Project Documentation Templates
Standardized templates for project reports, patent disclosures, and pitch decks used by all teams.
Lab Facilities
Explore Our Laboratory Spaces
Tour through state-of-the-art facilities equipped with cutting-edge equipment for hands-on innovation and experimentation.
Electronics
Electronics & Embedded Systems
Advanced circuits, microcontrollers, and IoT devices
Learn More
Mechanical
Mechanical Workshop
CNC machines, 3D printers, and fabrication tools
Learn More
Computing
Computer Lab
High-performance systems for software development
Learn More
Robotics
Robotics Arena
Robot testing and autonomous systems lab
Learn More
AI/ML
AI & Data Science Hub
Machine learning tools and GPU computing
Learn More
Design
Design Studio
CAD workstations and prototyping area
Learn More
Gallery / Showcases
Innovation Highlights
Explore student prototypes, demo day recordings, and award-winning projects from the Idea Lab community.
120+ Photos
Prototype Gallery
Photos from team builds, lab sessions, and student project showcases from previous semesters.
18 Videos
Demo Day Highlights
Video recordings of teams presenting their working prototypes at end-of-term Demo Day events.
24 Projects
Award-Winning Projects
Curated portfolios of competition-winning projects with technical write-ups and impact summaries.
Contact and Enquiry
Idea Lab — Get in Touch
Reach out for program details, lab access requests, project collaboration, or any other enquiries.