Innovation Ideas Unleashed Contest (I²U)
Annual student project competition held every year since 2007
About the Contest
The I²U contest identifies and provides financial support for innovative project ideas from students. Teams of 3–5 students, guided by a staff mentor, submit project proposals in a prescribed format. Inter-disciplinary projects are strongly encouraged — students from different departments or semesters may form teams.
After initial departmental screening, an expert panel interviews shortlisted teams and recommends funding for the most promising ideas. Selected teams receive 6 months to complete their projects.
IEDC Funding Support
The College was sanctioned an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC) by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, in 2009. Through IEDC funding, five of the best I²U projects each year (from 2009 for 5 years) received ₹1 lakh each — totalling support for 25 projects overall.
The grant included ₹10,000 remuneration each to the project mentor and up to 3 student team members, plus up to ₹60,000 towards product development (as per IEDC norms). The College continues to offer ₹20,000 per selected project from its own funds even after IEDC funding concluded.
Open Innovation Challenge (OIC)
Introduced in 2015 to further extend innovation beyond the I²U framework
About the OIC
The Open Innovation Challenge was introduced to further promote innovative thinking among staff and students. OIC operates in two categories, each targeting real-world solutions developed within a one-year timeframe. The best solutions are considered for awards at final evaluation.
Cat I Faculty Challenge
An open challenge given to students by faculty or staff — students compete to provide the best solution within one year.
Cat II Self Challenge
A self-initiated challenge by students or faculty — participants set their own problem statement and develop a solution within a year.