LEAP, in collaboration with AICTE and PRACTICE, successfully conducted a Faculty Development Program (FDP). The program witnessed the participation of 48 faculty members from various institutions across Southern India. The FDP commenced with a kick-off session introducing the PRACTICE PBL framework, followed by team formation and exploratory activities such as “Things That Bug Me,” encouraging participants to identify real-world problems.

The program then transitioned into an intensive technology immersion module on Advanced Automation using ESP32. Faculty members gained hands-on experience in embedded programming, sensor and actuator interfacing, and wireless control systems using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. A key highlight of the program was the Reverse Engineering and Innovation Thinking module. Participants engaged in dismantling and analyzing electro-mechanical products, enhancing their understanding through visual thinking, technical analysis, and design pattern exploration. This was followed by structured activities on feature enhancement, ideation, and design, enabling faculty to reimagine and improve existing products. The FDP also included sessions on Innovative Engineering and Product Design Methodology, where participants explored scientific approaches to evaluating design options, problem selection, conceptual design, and product presentation.

An important component of the program was the IITM Innovation Ecosystem Connect, which offered exposure to the broader innovation landscape through interactions with the Digital Skill Academy (DSA), visits to AMTDC and Agnikul, and the session Generative AI and its impact on learning explained by Prof. Gaurav Raina in detail.

On the final day, faculty members had the opportunity to interact with R. Subrahmanyam, Founder and CEO of CRISP, and engage in an in-depth discussion about the PRACTICE FDP. During this session, several queries related to the implementation of the program were addressed and clarified. This was followed by a talk by Prof. Mahesh Panchangula on MSMEs and their impact, where he shared key insights and encouraged participants to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

Industry representatives from the IITM Research Park ecosystem—Netphenix, Transbasha, Gemlabs, and IITM Pravartak—also delivered insightful presentations. These sessions provided faculty members with a deeper understanding of how companies operate across various domains and technologies. In addition, Ms. Jayalakshmi Umadikar (Head – Industry Connect) offered valuable insights into the evolution of IITM Innovation Centre (IITM IC), explaining how startups are incubated, the funding support available, and the various forms of assistance provided to emerging ventures. The program concluded with discussions on the next steps under PRACTICE, followed by participant feedback and closure. Overall, the FDP successfully equipped faculty members with the knowledge, tools, and hands-on experience required to implement Project-Based Learning (PBL) and promote innovation-driven education in their institutions.

Duration: 4 Days, 17-Mar-2026 to 20-Mar-2026