Methodist College of Engineering & Technology (MCET) inaugurated its AICTE-IDEA (Idea Development, Evaluation and Application) Lab on Wednesday, with Osmania University Vice-Chancellor Sr. Prof. Kumar Molugaram inaugurating the facility.
The event was attended by MCET Secretary and Correspondent K. Krishna Rao, Director of Infrastructure T. Rakesh Reddy, Director M. Lakshmipathi Rao, Principal Prof. Prabhu G. Benakop, Deans, department heads, faculty and students.
Students showcased innovative projects and working prototypes developed at the lab. Prof. Molugaram appreciated their creativity and practical problem-solving skills, and said the facility would help connect classroom learning with real-world applications.
MCET is among approximately 110 institutions selected nationwide for the AICTE initiative. The lab, identified as IDEA2024000004, was established at an investment of ₹90 lakh.
Prof. Benakop, Convenor of AICTE-IDEA Labs, and Prof. Lavanya Pamulaparty, Dean of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence and coordinator of the lab, said the facility would provide students and faculty with hands-on experience in turning ideas into working prototypes.
Equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, PCB milling machines and electronics workstations, the lab is intended to develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, design, collaboration and communication.
MCET has also submitted a request to the Directorate of School Education, Hyderabad, to conduct free five-day technology training programmes for government school students in Classes IX to XII. The proposed batches, each accommodating 30 students, would introduce participants to 3D printing, robotics, the Internet of Things, basic coding and design thinking.
The lab’s coordination team includes Prof. Lavanya P, Prof. M. Sharada Varalakshmi and Y. Madhu Maheshwara Reddy. A team of faculty members and a lab instructor will guide students in developing prototypes.
