With rapid growth in sectors such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, educational programs are being redesigned to meet emerging demands. Skills like coding, analytical thinking and problem-solving have now become indispensable for students entering the workforce.

Higher educational institutions must evolve in tune with technological advancements and industry requirements. To bridge the gap between academics and industry, we are developing an 'Innovation Hub and Tech Park' that will provide students with practical exposure, startup opportunities and specialised technical training within a single ecosystem.

The ground and first floors of the four-storey facility will house the 'Innovation Hub'. Various Centres of Excellence, functioning in collaboration with industries, will offer hands-on training and real-time project exposure to students, helping them gain practical industrial experience.

The second floor will be dedicated to startup development activities. Facilities such as incubation centres, hackathons and maker spaces are being established to support innovation. Students will have access to advanced tools including 3D printers and laser-cutting equipment to transform their ideas into working models.

The third and fourth floors are planned as technology park spaces where external firms can establish operations. This initiative is expected to deepen collaboration between academia and industry.

As part of our startup ecosystem, over 20 student-led ventures have already emerged through the 'IGNITE' initiative. By combining industry-integrated education, emerging technology training and entrepreneurial support, the programme aims to significantly improve career opportunities for students.

The results of these initiatives are already visible. During a recent international technology competition conducted at the IIT Madras campus, students from our institution created a record when their rover machine successfully removed 27 kg of sand.

Students should be encouraged from an early stage to develop creativity, innovation and design-based thinking. The education system must gradually move away from memorisation-focused learning and adopt a more skill-driven approach.

— Dr. Sudha Mohanram, Principal, Sri Eshwar College of Engineering, Coimbatore.