AICTE launches second edition of IDE Bootcamp Phase II for student innovators – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched the second edition of the “Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamp” Phase II. The event, which is a key initiative supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to encourage innovation, design thinking, and entrepreneurship skills among students across India.
The bootcamp, hosted by AICTE and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC), is part of a broader effort to nurture a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students. The Phase II bootcamp is expected to reach over 3,000 student innovators and Innovation Ambassadors from higher education institutions.
A festival of innovation and design thinking
During the launch event, Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, referred to the bootcamp as a “Festival of Innovation and Design Thinking.” He emphasized the importance of productization in India’s development and encouraged participants to adopt design thinking as a crucial tool for product development and innovation. “Design thinking will play a central role in shaping the future of innovation in India,” Prof. Sitharam said.
He also highlighted the upcoming AICTE Productization Fellowship, which will support students and faculty in converting innovative ideas into marketable products. Prof. Sitharam stressed the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research and innovation, noting that AI has the potential to transform industries and reshape the future of work.
Commitment to fostering student innovation
Dr. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman and CIO of AICTE, spoke about the significance of the bootcamp initiative as part of a broader celebration of design week envisioned by the Prime Minister. Dr. Jere noted that AICTE and MIC are committed to providing programs that help students pursue innovative ideas and solutions. He also shared details about the success of UDYAMTOSAV-2025, where over 300 startups pitched their ideas to more than 100 investors across India.
Bootcamp’s growth and reach
The IDE Bootcamp initiative, launched in June 2023, has seen significant success, with 34 bootcamps held over the past year. These events have engaged over 7,000 student innovators and faculty mentors. The Phase II edition aims to further expand its reach, engaging students from across the country, including those from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh under the Special Scholarship Scheme.
Scheduled to run from February 17 to February 21, 2025, the bootcamp offers a five-day immersive experience focused on innovation, design, and entrepreneurship. Key modules in this year’s curriculum include Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs, Business Model Canvassing, Prototype Development, Financial Literacy for Entrepreneurs, Technology Commercialization, Intellectual Property (IP), and Startup Funding. Participants will also be trained in how to pitch their ideas to investors.

Participating institutions
The Phase II bootcamp will be conducted across 12 institutions, offering a unique learning experience to students in various regions of the country. The participating institutions are:

This year’s bootcamp will also be supported by the Wadhwani Foundation, which has played a crucial role in scaling the event across the country.
Building the future of innovation and entrepreneurship
The IDE Bootcamp Phase II marks another step forward in nurturing young innovators and entrepreneurs in India. With its focus on hands-on learning, industry exposure, and mentorship, the bootcamp promises to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to turn their ideas into successful startups.
By fostering a culture of innovation and product development, the AICTE aims to contribute to India’s growth as a global leader in technology and entrepreneurship.