Today, world is facing fourth industrial revolution, commonly referred to as the Industry 4.0 which fosters the INNOVATION by the automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. India is the sixth largest economy in the world with a steady growth in its GDP. If growth is to be sustainable, it requires innovation in all areas of the innovation ecosystem by providing skill sets to NextGen: innovation in products, production systems, service systems, businesses and policy.

Gujarat Technological University (GTU), is a biggest state technological university, established under Gujarat Act no. 20 of 2007, has been continuously developing an ecosystem in Design & Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technological advancement in Gujarat state. To accomplish these dreams, GTU has created and introduced a strong Design Spine of Design Engineering course – a first of its kind courses from 3rd to 6th semester across engineering discipline from AY 2014-15. These courses are based on “Design Thinking” methodologies which is extensively used by Innovators, Entrepreneurs and MNCs to create innovative solutions for complex problems.

Design-centred innovation is a force multiplier that can help the country move up the value chain, making Indian industry globally competitive. In this context, Ministry of Human Resource Development has launched a National Initiative for Design Innovation in the Twelfth Plan. Under this initiative, 20 new Design Innovation Centres (DIC), one Open Design School (ODS) and a National Design Innovation Network (NDIN), linking together all these schools, would be set up. GTU has been awarded the grant by MHRD to establish Design Innovation Centre to support innovative projects of students under this scheme at University Premise as Hub and other 3 institutes as spokes (AVPTI College Rajkot- Spoke 1, Dr. S. & S. S. Ghandhi College of Engineering & Technology Surat – Spoke 2 and Government Engineering College Modasa – Spoke 3) to cover entire state.

The basic purpose of GTU - DIC is to promote, nurture and advance the culture of design, innovation, creative problem solving and entrepreneurship. It would support in product design and development, prototype building through full-fledged FabLab, mentorship and networking, IPR support, training and workshop, skill developments, fellowship and awards to best projects/solutions and co-working space.

Prof. (Dr.) Navin Sheth
Vice Chancellor, GTU