IIT Roorkee has taken a monumental step in empowering student innovation with its new Capacity Building on Design and Entrepreneurship (CBDE) program, developed in collaboration with Ansys Software Private Limited. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, aims to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and design thinking among students, equipping them to tackle societal challenges with tech-driven solutions.
What is the CBDE Program?
The CBDE program is a strategic initiative that focuses on enhancing entrepreneurship in higher education institutions across India. By partnering with Ansys, a leader in engineering simulation software, IIT Roorkee aims to provide students with the tools and skills needed to innovate and design solutions for real-world problems.
Key Objectives of the CBDE Program:
- Foster Design Thinking: Encourage a mindset that prioritises innovation and problem-solving.
- Support Societal Challenges: Enable students to develop technological solutions that address pressing social issues.
- Promote Female Empowerment: Specifically encourage female students to engage in technology-driven entrepreneurship.
The Role of Ansys in the Initiative
Ansys is an industry leader in engineering simulation software, and their partnership with IIT Roorkee is pivotal for this initiative. By providing resources, knowledge, and top-up fellowships, Ansys aims to empower future engineers with the skills they need to thrive.
Prof. K. K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, emphasised the significance of this collaboration, stating, “These fellowships, along with the supportive environment on campus, will inspire our students, especially our female students, to contribute to technology-driven solutions for societal advancement, fulfilling the objectives of Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Recent Developments in the CBDE Program
Recently, IIT Roorkee hosted a lecture titled “Physics-based Simulation in Research and Education: Current Practices and Key Initiatives.” The talk was delivered by Dr. Dipankar Choudhury, an Ansys Fellow and Academic Program Lead at Ansys. His presentation highlighted the importance of integrating both existing and emerging technologies, including:
- Digital Twins
- High-Performance Computing
- Machine Learning
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Computational Structural Mechanics
- Computational Electromagnetics
- Photonics/Optics
Dr. Choudhury underscored IIT Roorkee’s leadership in research and technology development in critical areas like Electronics, Semiconductors, and Space Technology. This collaboration not only strengthens academic programs but also addresses industry demands for skilled engineers.
Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
One of the standout features of the CBDE program is its focus on supporting female students. Ansys has pledged to offer top-up fellowships specifically aimed at encouraging female M.Tech students to engage in social entrepreneurship. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to diversity and inclusion within the tech sector.
Mike Yeager, Area Vice President for Ansys in India and Japan, stated, “Ansys provides the required educational resources to empower future engineers. Our Academic Program is dedicated to bridging the skills gap in the engineering industry and preparing students for complex technologies.”
Why This Matters
The CBDE program represents a significant shift in how higher education institutions approach entrepreneurship and innovation. Here’s why this is crucial:
- Bridging the Skills Gap: As industries evolve, there’s an increasing need for engineers who are equipped with cutting-edge skills. This program helps students stay ahead of the curve.
- Real-World Applications: By focusing on societal challenges, students can create solutions that have a tangible impact, fostering a sense of purpose and community involvement.
- Inclusive Opportunities: With a focus on empowering female students, this initiative promotes gender equality in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for IIT Roorkee and Ansys
The launch of the CBDE program at IIT Roorkee, in partnership with Ansys, marks a significant step forward in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in India. By equipping students with the necessary skills and resources, this collaboration promises to produce a new generation of engineers who are ready to tackle societal challenges head-on.
As we look to the future, I am excited to see how these innovative students will leverage their training to create impactful solutions. This initiative not only contributes to the individual growth of students but also aligns with the broader goals of national development as outlined in Viksit Bharat 2047.
