Innovation & Research Foundation

Global educationist came together to develop A “Structured Curriculum” to address the needs of the 21st Century. Academic Excellence, 21st Century Traits (Competencies) & 21st Century Skills. Expectations from children in 21st Century.

The 21st Century 7 traits

Futurz Xplored came up with various subjects with a very strong and structured curriculum. This curriculum came up with four subjects and they are as follows:

Design 4 School gives Design sensitization to students through the 9 New Age Education Building Blocks using Design pedagogy, thus cultivating Design Temperament and laying a foundation to the 21st century traits.

Holistic perspective, interdisciplinary approach, group working, inter dependence, newer ways of expression are gaining over the linear approach. Thus, newer traits is the call of the times. We also believe that these very traits shall be the currency of modern times.

9 in 297 are the 9 solutions that incorporate 9 New Age Education Building Blocks & Subjects, 9 Applications for Real Life & Innovation and 9 Soul of Subject & Real Life Skills. This would sequentially introduce one to the 21st Century traits that we wish to nurture, 9 Solutions, Pedagogy, and Curriculum.

Before we get into the interesting 9 solutions, it will be prudent to pause for a second and present the 21st Century traits that we wish to nurture amongst the participants, these traits act as commandments for us.

The 9 New Age Education Building blocks; these are called so for the very reason that contemporary times call for newer subjects (interventions) that will address the 21st century requirements. A closer look at these 9 shall exhibit the fact that all of us in current times need these more than ever – both for surviving and thriving in changing times.

These 9 building blocks complement for the 9 facets of design that are brought out using the 9 multiple intelligences. These together have the power to address the wicked problems that we face in our today. We strongly believe that these building blocks shall lay the founding stones for newer educational interventions in future.

The 9 Newage Educaiton Building blocks are cultivated among chidlren thorugh simple, self instructional assignment. These assignments are based on a process and this process has the following 5 parts, each of these parts are in the form of sessions.

These 5 parts are:Understanding, Creativity & Creation, Excellence, Analysis, Syntheses & Refinement, and Observation, Presentation, Self Evaluation and the final discussion where children discuss with their mentor about the learning outcomes they have achieved.

Based on these learning outcome children connect to the 7 tratis and then discuss about how would they be using these 7 traits and learning outcome in their real life.

The Soul of Subjects

At Futurz Xplored we strongly believe that the present day subjects need to be rediscovered– whereas a lot of work is happening in this space, that is, to make the subjects easy and fast to learn by simplifying the content as well as making the content interesting for easy grasping and fun; yet there are a very few who are talking about the very essence of the subjects – the very soul of the subjects being rediscovered and addressed.

Just for an example at Futurz Xplored we believe that it is communication that is at the core of language teaching / learning rather than the language itself. The moment the beauty and context of communication is understood – people shall find means and ways to expressing themselves – be it poetry, prose, anecdote, story, quotes, letters etc. Similarly the moment we nurture a child to be curious, explorative and adventurous – they automatically discover the world around them – learning Geography by themselves.

Skill

Neatness

Perfection

Preciseness

Detailing

Eliminating (Simplifying)

Usage of colors, texture, patterns

Use of material and media (form and functions)

Illustrations, Story telling-writing, comic

Idea to model

Communication (verbal, non verbal - written, musical, drama etc.)

Thinking

Critical (Scientific, logical)

Illogical

Lateral

Divergent

Variety, Uniqueness, Diversity (2D, 3D)

Ideation

Imagination

Observation

Concept - Idea to form process (Real to Abstract construct and back)

Concentration

Analysis & synthesis

Multiple intelligence

Artificial – Real

Attitude

Responsiveness

Receptiveness

Focus

Engagement with individual or multiple and diverse tasks

Enthusiasm, enjoying and celebrating learning

Role of Concentration

Completion of task

Initiative, Big thinking and dream

Ability to err and accept failure

Perseverance, endurance and Excellence

Appreciate working with Limited resources (material, self, time etc)

Recognition, understanding and appreciation of self, others, environment

Developing Design Thinking among children, making them apt following this process and then coming down to an innovation. This innovation can be both Tangible/Intangible

Contemporary times call for rediscovering, revitalizing and rejuvenating everything – from individual, society, industry and world. It has thus become a must for the young and old alike to adapt to the scale, scope and speed of the changing world. This can happen if innovation can be built into the pedagogy.

All the assignments, mini projects, projects at Futurz Xplored incorporates – original thinking – critical-lateral-divergent, contextualizing each creation through quantity of ideas, quality of ideas, variety of ideas and feasibility of solution.

Innovation in addition to being the pedagogy of the curriculum is also provided a larger role in the curriculum by constructing a full-fledged subject around the same.

Innovation 4 School follows the process of Design Thinking. This process has 9 steps and each of the step is been shown in the following process diagram.

Explore stage gives an understanding to self, others & environment through qualitative study. A good deal of emphasis is on empathy & observation. Knowledge management, defining the problem, framing the problem & project planning is where the process starts.

Experiment stage involves developing & using multiple ways of thinking (critical/logical/analytical, & lateral/divergent/creative), resulting into simultaneous development, understanding of scientific & design temperament & their contextual usefulness.

Express the last stage of the project where ideas are formally or informally expressed, through material, medium & technology, installations, theme based exhibition i.e. critical in representing one’s idea in the right light.

To conclude one may quote the impact of Design Thinking upon contemporary schools culture: Design Thinking is gradually becoming a mainstream subject/process in many schools across the globe.

EI 4 School pertais to an individual's capacity to reason about emotions and to process emotions to enhance cognitive processes, regulate behavior, build emotional literacy and to embrace and live the change.

Emotional Intelligence pertains to an individual’s capacity to reason about emotions and to process emotional information to enhance cognitive processes and regulate behavior. (Mayer & Salovey) according to these authors EI is based on acquiring certain skills with mastery in the first three leading to proficiency in the fourth. This is in context to other models of EI that are based upon perceived abilities and personality traits.

Kids are becoming smarter by each generation. Emotional Intelligence is a powerful combination of self-management skills and the ability to work with others.

Some of the personalities working across the world in the field of emotional intelligence are Daniel Goleman an internationally known psychologist who lectures frequently to professional groups, business audiences, and on college campuses. His 1995 book, emotional Intelligence was on the The New York Times bestseller list for a year-and-a-half, with more than 5,000,000 copies in print worldwide in 40 languages and has been a best seller in many countries.

Our curriculum focuses on the 5 core areas of EI in three major categories as Self, Others & Environment.

1. Self Awareness

2. Self Management

3. Social Awareness

4. Relationsip/Social Skills/Management/Empathy

5. Decision Making/Problem Solving/Leadership Skills

Emotional Intelligence is a wide range of skills that children of all ages can develop and improve. These skills are critical for emotional well-being and life success.

The ever-increasing pace of change

We live in a world where change has to be taken for granted, and where the rate of change appears to be increasing steadily (though probably the rate at which it is increasing is itself increasing). This is due to the effects of a combination of factors:

• Advances in technology, information & communication

• Globalization

• Internet

• Breakdown of cultural &, political barriers

• The spread of literacy & higher education

• Greater openness to the contribution of different cultures

• The decline of conservative institutions

Why Emotional Intelligence?

1. Learning to live with change, to embrace it. Aristotle said, “Anyone can get angry, that’s easy. But to be angry with the right person to the right degree, at the right time for the right purpose and in the right way that’s not so easy.”

2. So let us equip our children where they know who they are and thus regulate themselves towards a better world. Have the capacity to motivate themselves and others, be empathetic to others and have friendliness with a purpose.

Digital Media 4 School provides tools & techniques for the real life applications using the digital media e.g. 2D, 3D animation, films, stories, comic strips, commercial products, indoor outdoor campaign, web applications, illustrations, video editing, SFx, VFx, compositing, audio engineering, portfolios, image processing, publishing, photography, video etc.

This uniquely designed program is for children of the 21st century develop logical, analytics, Problem Solving, Connecting and Communicating & develop the latest coding skills to set pace with the coding going around in the world as the 21st century skill.

Beginners Level

Develops Computer Vocabulary, Computer Interface & Hardware, Concept of internet, File Directory Structure, Word Editor, Concepts of Email, Microsoft-Excell, Internet etiquette.

Intermediate Level Children learn MS Logo, develop Analytical Skills, Grasp Problem Solving comprising of Algorithm, Code.org, Scratch & Other Programs.

Senior Level
Children learn HTML, CSS & Advance level with Python & Java.

With the changing world where complex problems are at an edge of enhancement, we need to build our children’s intelligence in a manner they can face this changing world with their original thoughts, skills and an attitude. Children today are born with technology in their hands. The world is demanding from them a different set of skills, thinking and attitude. Thus to sustain and succeed we need to equip them well. We all know that the subjects at schools are losing their essence and it is our vision to bring back this lost interest among children, give them back their joy, excitement and dream for learning. This can very well happen if we connect the current academic subjects with design & technology.

“The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.” Robert Matnard Hutchins

Higher Education

India is among the fastest growing economies in the world. Industries thus have their inherent advantages; however, fast paced growth also brings about certain challenges. Organizations thus need to become agile, flexible, adaptive and relevant in order to sustain in these changing times. Organizations can no longer wait to dictate the emerging skill set, but must be proactive in partnering, aligning resources and tailoring opportunities to achieve a direct and measurable impact.

Organisations are therefore looking for individuals pre-equipped with the skill set. It thus becomes essential that the institutions preparing individuals to enter these organisations value and propagate these skills.

Design Thinking is an approach that helps to solve not only today’s problems but even anticipates those that lie ahead. Design Thinking is a concept both in theory and practice. Although the term “design” is commonly associated with products’ quality and/or aesthetic appearance, the main goal of design as a discipline is to promote well being in people’s lives. Nonetheless, it is the way that designers perceive things and act upon them that has attracted the attention of management, opening new paths to business innovation, various professions, and challenges faced. Many Indian companies from the Silicon Valley are relying on developing a Design Thinking approach to create optimum value for their customers. India is at that junction of the economy where there is a need of Design Thinking more than the West, in terms of real solutions to the real problems.

There is an urgent need to tide over these problems. In order to leapfrog in the development, we need a radical approach and transformation. This calls for a structured and progressive approach to deal with change and growth simultaneously. Long term sustainability along with short term growth bursts are the needs of the modern organizations, which must be fulfilled by the institutions grooming individuals flowing into them.

IRF thanks the following organizations & esteemed people for direct / material / intellectual support.

*National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad

* Indian Institute of Technology (IDC), Mumbai

* Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

* Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA)

* Harvard University

* Stanford’s d.school

* Massachsetts Institute o Technology MIT’s Media Lab

* UK Design Council & Design Technology

Futurz Xplored team and contributors comprise of individuals from some of the top academic institutions of the world. Actively contributing to enrich the Futurz Xplored business, programmes, curriculum and teaching-learning practices.

What we offer

• Entrepreneurship Sessions and Workshops

• Design Thinking workshops and programs for students and teachers

• Launching a design thinking department

• Design clinics to support start up culture

• Faculty training and development

• Curriculum mapping for 21st century traits using design pedagogy

• Establishing a culture for innovation

• Cultural sensitivity

• The best DT practices- Stanford, MIT, IBM, Georgia tech, IDEO

• Innovation tools and techniques

• Knowledge management

• Learning from failure

• Inculcating a habit- Original Thinking, Innovation and Entrepreneurship through Knowledge, skill and attitude.

The Education Sector’s Demand

Across the world design thinking is being used in education for curriculum development, building creative confidence, innovation, innovative pedagogies, problem solving, inculcating creativity, creating an innovation friendly environment and more. Design provides the framework for promoting the skills that leaders and innovators need, including things like empathy, collaboration, persistence through failure, and comfort with ambiguity. One of the many successful implementations of the design thinking process in the education system is explained ahead. This is followed by one of the many benefits design thinking provides in terms of student development.

Curriculum Development

Design Thinkers were given the task of curriculum development in one of the b-schools. They invited teachers to be the problem solvers. The consultants chose one tool- conversation, they asked volunteer students simple questions which were focused on understanding the students rather than the courses or curriculum. The findings were communicated to the teachers in real time, enabling the professors to watch the process and articulate what they wanted students to get from their experience, and start building a curriculum to achieve those ends.

Creative confidence

Teaching experts describe the design thinking education as a progressive movement, which contains several steps. Throughout these steps, different competencies are developed, such as prototyping skills, emotional skills, capability of adopting perspectives, empathy and a certain mindset. As each of these competencies are acquired, creative confidence develops, which assures the students of their own ability of acting and thinking creative. In this regard, if we rely on creativity as the ability to generate innovative ideas, design may be referred to as a way of expressing these in a certain way.

Why Universities should incorporate Design Thinking?

• Revitalize temperament

• Development of 21st Century Skills amongst students for better employment

• Connect between academic learning and real life

• Engagement of local industry

• Increase in patents being filed

• Increase in start-ups from campus

Vijai Singh Katiyar, Academic Chairperson, NID

Dr. Piyush Kumar Sinha HOD. Retail & Marketing IIM-A

Mr. Wang, Secretary-General, APACA. Exe Director CMIA China

Dr. Garimella, Dean - IMT Ghaziabad

Design Thinking for Incubators & start-up

Design Thinking for Incubators & start-up for Building Sustainable Incubation Centres – Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Niti Aayog at Incubation Managers' Training Programme at GLS University, Ahmedabad held on 21st August 2018

Mr. Rohit Swarup Chairman, Innovation & Research Foundation gave a talk on Design thinking for incubator as a product/service, Design thinking for creating a funnel for incubates, the apt people who contribute to incubator, for evaluating the ideas and business potential, support needed etc. AND ‘can you (incubators) develop a code-algorithm that for your incubator?’ And it can be done through Design Thinking as the success lies in applying a systematic, process oriented, tool-technique based approach.

Design Driven Innovation Workshop For Architecture Students

Design Driven Innovation Workshop, CEPT, Ahmedabad, INDIA was conducted by IRF Team. The workshop focused on

• The Futurz Xplored i297 team briefed the participants upon the process & best practices in Design Driven Innovation process.

• The participants in groups of approx. 10 members searched (secondary research) for each process step, identified the appropriate one & applied the same.

• The Futurz Xplored i297 team remained on campus every day and acted as consultants to the process to address any queries / help the participants.

• Presentation/pitch. The deliverable by each team included the following 4 things:

1) An orthographic drawing, 2) Description of how the design driven innovation process and steps were used, 3) 3D model, 4) Concept poster.

OpenIDEO For GTU Faculties Workshop Session on Ideation

In context with the challenge on ‘Gratitude at Workplace’ given by OpenIDEO to the global community, we have organized Outpost event on “Empathize for Workplace Gratitude” at i297 –A design studio at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. This workshop was organized in two parts(Part1 –Empathy; Part2 –Gaining Insights) for the research phase of the challenge and the same was supported by Innovation & Research Foundation (IRF).

Design & Innovation Thinking For Engineering Students

Design Thinking & Innovation for GTU Faculty Development Program (Engineering) (Level 2) was conducted by IRF Team. The focus was on the Design Thinking Process.

Design Engineering A Case Study

Innovation & Research Foundation comprehensively helped Gujarat Technological University in introducing design engineering as a subject, and is overseeing its continued growth at all government engineering colleges in the state of Gujarat, India.

The case study presented here showcases the stage wise support that resulted into this grand and first of its kind initiative.

Various faculty workshops were conducted. How the design department establishment was proposed to GTU. Program launched in Academic year 2014. Curriculum & Course outline, course implementation, impact and benefits of broadcast, faculty development program, specialized student programs, international conferences, Design Manifesto, India, January 15, 2014 were some of the key areas.

Design Engineering Subject for Students

The Design Engineering session conducted by IRF Team focused on the following sections:

Why part of this subject, Role of an engineer, 21st century traits, How Design thinking works using the process starting from the problem or the idea, moving on to observation, empathy, ideation, prototyping, and final expression.

Design Thinking for Entrepreneurship Education

Design thinking for Entrepreneurship Education was conducted by Mr. Rohit Swarup.

Emphasis was on Objective of Entrepreneurship Education, Need for Design thinking in entrepreneurship training, Expectations from Entrepreneurs in 21st Century.

The purpose of workshop was

* Understand design driven innovation, its significance

* Vocabulary : Know useful tools, techniques, methods and processes

* Apply to gain experience of the process

* Company creation

* Seize opportunity

* Act Entrepreneurially

Design Thinking Sensitization for the 4th year BBA MBA students

IRF Team conducted a Design Thinking Workshop for Design Thinking Project

‘1st Week at the Job’, which started with Presentation skills and then Settling into an Organization/Corporate world. There were three major purposes of this workshop as

* Understand design thinking / design driven innovation

* Know useful tools, techniques, methods and processes

* Hands on project : how to use design thinking to solve a problem

Entrepreneurship lectures

The series of entrepreneurship lectures taken by IRF Team, wherein he talked about what a successful entrepreneur’s qualities are needed, followed by Looking at Xplora Design Skool and its

Contribution

Challenges faced

Life of an entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship Session

The session started by IRF Team talking on 'work.' Work is not only the turn-over; the turn-over can be ordered & brought about by sheer labour.

The term ‘work’ connotes something deeper, subtler, & diviner.

The creative urge that is behind every active intellect, which ultimately fullfils itself in the creation of things & beings, that subtle spiritual strength is called “karma”;

All else is mere sweat & toil, dust & blood, heaving & sobbing, smiling & singing, hoarding & wasting.

Entrepreneurship is a process, creating opportunities, the entrepreneur traits, & the journey of the 3 projects of XDS, IRF & Fx

Design Engineering

Design engineering subject was conducted by IRF Team. The key point was, Why Design for Engineers? Design Skills for Engineers, education in industrial era, the shift, expectations from engineers in 21st century, expectations of engineers, and the Stanford’s, MIT’s process of design and innovation.

Workshop on Empathy

GTU Level II Faculty Workshop on Design Driven Innovation took place by: IRF Team. The workshop started with a talk on design, and introducing Design Thinking, the design approach, tools used, Stanford process of innovation. The workshop started by addressing the 21st century skills by World Economic Forum. The workshop followed Stanford’s Design Thinking process, followed by empathy, observation, exercises on bodily expressions. A strong focus was made on ethnography research methods, data analysis strategies, empathize & define, interview tips.

IRF programs

First of its kind workshops on Design & Design Driven Innovation for faculty members of engineering colleges from across the state of Gujarat was conducted by Innovation & Research Foundation (IRF) for Gujarat Technological University (GTU). The workshops aimed at four broad areas: Sensitizing faculty members towards these disciplines, Orienting faculty members towards these disciplines and Co creation workshop

Workshop on Work Culture & Environment for BBA MBA Students

21st Century Work Culture & Environment was the session conducted byIRF Team. He talked about Work culture is a product of the values, beliefs and expectations that guide employee behaviour. Work Environment: Location where a task is completed.

The session takeaways were

• What is 21st Century work culture & work environment?

• What is expected out of young entrant?

• How does one prepare for it?

The Six Defining Traits of the Successful 21st Century Organization, the Shift: Traditional firms to Modern enterprises, several factors are influencing the way employees are selected into the organizations of today & of the future, interesting challenges, and can one bring about a change in culture.

DESIGN WEEKEND – A DESIGN THINKING WORKSHOP SERIES

The workshop was conducted on Design Thinking where Engineering students under went with Design Engineering as a subject and topic of Observation & Empathy for GTU & Prototyping GTU

Industry – Academic – Societal – Aspirants Summit

This presentation was on “Industry – Academic – Societal – Aspirants” Interface Digital Media Design Story in India & GTU, Ahmedabad, India. By Mr. Rohit Swarup Chairman IRF. The key points were

Bridging the gap between Industry requirements – Societal needs – Students Aspirations, methods of doing the same, Under Graduate & Post Graduate Case Studies (Students programs & Faculty development programs), Programs for Skill development using Design & Innovation thinking & Digital Media, case studies of Guyiang,

Case Study: Faculty development program using design & innovation thinking

Case Study: K12 Children program using design & innovation thinking), Child development & Creative English using design & innovation thinking curriculum, In-School Program workshops were taken by Mr. Rohit Swarup in China class room and about other programs.

GTU Engineering Students on an Empathy Workshop

Field visit of HJD Engineering College of Gujarat Technological University students of the 6th Semester to the i297 Lab (Xplora Design Skool). The Design Thinking Workshop (Design Engineering) was conducted by Mr. Rohit Swarup and team. Students worked on Observation, Empathy and did a qucik mini project.

Design Engineering Workshops & Case Study for Engineering Students

The proposed set of four workshops spread over a year for faculty members of engineering & technology colleges aims at,

• Orienting & training faculties to become mentors for design thinking/engineering for students of engineering,

• Helping faculty members to champion design thinking/engineering in their institutions and establishing a culture for innovation.

• Help in establishing a design thinking/engineering department in their institutions.

• Support in process of conducting design clinics to support start up culture and start ups in their institution.

• Establishing an environment in their local region amongst industry & society for design thinking/engineering & innovation.

Symposium Presentation on Design Thinking

“ Design & Design Thinking for K12 – a preview” at GTU, Ahmedabad, INDIA.

Presented by: Rohit Swarup, Chairman | Innovation & Research Foundation Founder Director | Xplora Design Skool, Futurz Xplored. The workshop focused on Design Thinking with the 2 subjects used in Academics.

Design Thinking & Innovation for PGDM Executive

Design Thinking & Innovation for IMT Ghaziabad PGDM Executive was conducted by IRF Team. This was a four day workshop where

Day 1 focused on Design Thinking & Innovation and Project: Empathy, Observation, and Problem Articulation.

Day 2 was on Project: Ideation, Prototyping and Self Field Project discussion,

Day 3 had Presentation, Case Studies, Mentoring on work accomplished, Pitfall & nuances of Design Thinking and Day 4 with Final Presentations, Managing Innovation and Reflective Note

Design Thinking & Innovation for management practitioners

Design Thinking & Innovation for management practitioners was the workshop for IMT Ghaziabad, which was conducted in parts. The focus of Mr. Rohit Swarup was on Need for Design & Innovation Thinking for management practitioners, Best Practices, Process, tools & techniques, Design & Innovation Thinking Project and Presentation & Evaluation. The purpose of this workshop was

• Understand design & innovation thinking, its significance,

• Vocabulary: Know useful tools, techniques, methods and processes,

• Apply design & innovation thinking process at work.

Entrepreneurship Workshop

This session was on entrepreneurship conducted by IRF Team. It was titled as “through eyes of an entrepreneur”. He talked about 'Work is not only the turn-over; the turn-over can be ordered & brought about by sheer labour.' The term ‘work’ connotes something deeper, subtler & diviner. The creative urge that is behind every active intellect, which ultimately fullfils itself in the creation of things & beings, that subtle spiritual strength is called “karma”; all else is mere sweat & toil, dust & blood, heaving & sobbing, smiling & singing, hoarding & wasting. And then moved on talking about the 2 common stories Xplora Design Skool, Futurz Xplored.

i297 presentation on Guiyang Project

The sharing started by Mr. Rohit Swarup addressing the 1st Sino India international animation training program and then extending thanks to Guiyang University & Guizhou Provincial Government. He talked how the project took place by starting with 21st century challenges, interesting challenges faced, the i297 pedagogy, culture centric creativity.

A dynamic Curriculum, ‘Empathy as a key’, Innovative Tools-Techniques-process-methods : Traditional & Contemporary, Experimental and low cost, Travelling classroom rooted in real life, Fusion of Art- Culture –Technology for Holistic learning, Thematic Space Design, Students Exhibition & Closing Ceremony, Students efforts the two films:

1. 3D Architectural Design of Guiyang University.

2. Story of Guiyang City.

Entrepreneurship

Some of the key features for this session were

a. What is the scenario for design entrepreneurship in India and abroad

b. What are the major areas should be looked at/prepared before starting a venture

c. How to structure a organization

d. How to generate funding

e. How one should expand

f. Partnership / collaboration – still a hitch for start-ups,

g. How to judge the performance

h. When to take a call for Closure.. Changing directions new venture.

Project Creating Opp Pitch & Cost

This Session was on the occasion of Design Management – II, NID, Ahmedabad, Narrated by: IRF Team. Here Mr. Rohit Swarup talked on Creating opportunities in design as a profession. How to pitch for a project & charge fees through a story of and “the 3 projects”

Entrepreneurship Interview

This session at NID was on Entrepreneurship Interview conducted by IRF Team. The key points were

1. How designers should plan for becoming an entrepreneur?

2. What is the scenario for design entrepreneurship in India and abroad.

3. What are the major areas should be looked at/prepared before starting a venture.

4. How to structure an organization

5. How to manage a small setup – structure of team/organization,

6. How to generate funding.

7. How one should expand,

8. Partnership / collaboration – still a hitch for start-ups. 9. How to judge the performance.

10. When to take a call for Closure. Changing directions…new venture.

Session On Design Entrepreneurship

This session at NID was conducted by IRF Team.

Some of the key features for this session was

1. What is the scenario for design entrepreneurship in India and abroad.

2. What are the major areas should be looked at/prepared before starting a venture.

3. How to structure a organization.

4. How to generate funding.

5. How one should expand.

6. Partnership / collaboration – still a hitch for start-ups.

7. How to judge the performance.

8. When to take a call for Closure.. Changing directions…new venture.

Design Thinking Workshop Specific Problem For BBA MBA 4th year students

IRF Team conducted a Design Thinking Workshop for Design Thinking Project

‘1st Week at the Job’, which started with Presentation skills and then Settling into an Organization/Corporate world.

There were three major purposes of this workshop as

 Understand design thinking / design driven innovation

 Know useful tools, techniques, methods and processes

 Hands on project : how to use design thinking to solve a problem

Beyond Entertainment

IRF Team talked about

Beyond Entertainment (Beyond the Glamour,

Beyond the Top of the Pyramid, Beyond Metros)

Design Thinking workshop for MBA Students

An Orientation Session On Design, Innovation & Design Driven Innovation for Management Practitioners at Nirma University by IRF Team.

The first of its Kind, the Design Thinking session at Nirma was a joint Initiation between Fx & Nirma University. The Uniqueness was judged by the fact that the session of its kind had only been conducted by IRF in few reputed institutes IIM & NID till date.

The first year Master of Business Administration student of Nirma University were addressed. The session covered four modules - Introduction & need for Design, Innovation & Design driven innovation for management practitioners; Best practices in Design driven innovation, IDEO HBR case study; Video case study (Design council UK); Project creation. The warm & enthusiastic participation added to the success of the session.

Design Thinking workshop for Family Business Students

Design Thinking for Academia: Management Stream was conducted by IRF Team.

The session focused on

The ‘Why?” Background,

Expectations from Managers in 21st Century,

solutions,

The Shift: Traditional firms to Modern enterprises, best practices, IRF, Futurz Xplored the 3E Model and ENTREPRENEURIAL DESIGN THINKING.

Management Induction Lecture on Design Thinking

This session by IRF Team was on ‘21st Century Managers: Design Thinkers & Innovators?’. Cases for pre session reference was given as a must read and see.

The session began with this case study and then moved on to the following 3 major questions

1. Do we need it?

2. If yes, then What is it?

3. How can I use it?

NIM Mang Induction Lecture on Design Thinking

PG Lecture Series

This session by IRF Team was on ‘21st Century Managers: Design Thinkers & Innovators!’. Cases for pre session reference was given as a must read and see. The session began with this case study and then moved on to the following 3 major questions

1. Do we need it? 2. If yes, then What is it? 3. How can I use it?

New Faculty Induction

This was a session for faculties of NIRMA on ‘To a large extent what alumni do with their lives define the stature of an Institute & vice versa’. Mr. Rohit Swarup and Alumni of NIRMA talked about roles that an Alumni can play, and what can be brought about by the faculties in terms of global best practices, learning styles, pedagogies, international collaboration and culture.

Promotions Session

The session was taken by IRF Team, where it all began with., Marketing Strategy a Marketing Programs, Marketing Mix (Neil Borden), “Mixers (Marketing Managers) of ingredients”, By virtue of their dealing with “Marketing recipes”, Consisting of various action “Ingredients” Mixed together into Targeted marketing plan. The session covered Fundamental Knowledge, Conceptual Clarity, Macro understanding, Information sourcing and Hands one.

Orientation Session On Design, Innovation & Design Driven Innovation for Management Practitioners

BISAG Broadcast Session across Gujarat

Design, Innovation & Design Driven Innovation Framework for Engineers by Mr. Rohit Swarup. Chairman, Innovation & Research Foundation & Founder Director | Xplora Design Skool & Futurz Xplored. The focus was on the 21st Century & Engineers,Need: Design for engineers, Need: Innovation for engineers, What is Design? hat is Innovation? Need for a Design Driven Innovation Framework for Engineering Academic projects. Framework in detail.

Workshop on Prototyping

Workshop on Prototyping was conducted for the Gujarat Technology University students on ‘Design Weekend-Design Thinking workshop series ’ by IRF Team. The key points Visualization & Visual Thinking, prototyping allows us to fail, rough prototyping, various other styles of prototyping, rapid prototyping, ways to prototype, working with limited resources, and then followed by live prototyping.

Workshop on Internal Empathy

Workshop on OBSERVATION & EMPATHY was conducted for the Gujarat Technology University students on ‘Design Weekend-Design Thinking workshop series' by IRF Team. The key points were how one does empathy and observation in order to understand the people’s needs and problems such that the solution can be ideated and can lead to prototyping. This workshop focused on internal empathy, where the students could understand their and other’s strengths as a multi disciplinary team.

Our Directors sign MOUs in China for Schools

Our Founder Director Invited to China as VIP Guest for Lecture & Meeting with Chinese Govt Organizations, University & Schools. Our Founder Director Mr. Rohit Swarup was invited to the Luoyang – Silk Road International Creative Culture Forum & Exhibition to meet the Govt. officials & deliver a lecture on Creativity, Design & Innovation. The Event saw individuals from US, Russia, Korea, Spain, Germany, Israel, Iran, Columbia & representation of local artists, entrepreneurs, govt. officials.

GTU WORKSHOP DESIGN WEEKEND – A DESIGN THINKING WORKSHOP SERIES

The workshop was conducted on Design Thinking where Engineering students under went with Design Engineering as a subject and topic of Observation & Empathy for GTU & Prototyping GTU. Design thinking to redesign the mithakhali cross roads

Xplora & Futurz launch campus & programs in China

DESIGN WEEKEND – A DESIGN THINKING WORKSHOP SERIES

The workshop was conducted on Design Thinking where Engineering faculties under went with Design Engineering as a subject and topic of Prototyping GTU. The workshop was conducted by IRF team.

Presentation by Mr. Rohit Swarup India Guiyang on Edutainment (Innovation & Skill Training) & Innovation & Tradition Research Foundation)

Chinese Delegation-Futurz Xplored signs MOUs with Schools & Colleges in India

Center of Excellence in New Media for Gendan University Beijing

Presentation by Mr. Rohit Swarup India Xingyi on, Innovation & Skill Training K12 School Children Employment oriented skill training Language & Communication & IRF Holistic Life Style Center

Design Thinking for family business 1st year – MBA students

This workshop was conducted by IRF Team on Design Thinking for family business 1st year – MBA students of Institute of Management, Nirma University. The emphasise of this workshop was on Analyzing of students' exisiting business and finding new solutions.

Xplora i297 presentation at AYACC

Indian Animation Development Scenario Industry * Education * Students perspective

Design Thinking Project for Successful Entry to Corporate World for 2nd Year Management Students

This 5 Day workshop gave a remarkable benefit to the Management students of Nirma, conduced by IRF Team. 3 Mini projects 1st 3 Seconds & 1st 3 Minutes, 1st 3 Hours & 1st 3 days, 1st 3 weeks & 1st 3 months were to be completed in this workshop.

Design Thinking for Creating Enterprises

This workshop gave students of Nirma Institute of Management an insight in Creating Enterprises, of Nirma, conduced by IRF Team. Some of the key elements were Difference between Businessman v/s Industrialist, Traits, skills, competencies, knowing self. Workshop was especially crafted based upon requirements teachers of Nirma had referred.

46th FDP Design Engineering Basic level-1 Sitarambhai Naranji Patel. Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh

The workshop started with an inspiring speech by Prof Karmjitsinh Bihola, GTU for considering the subject as a chance to develop design thinking as an integral part of engineering studies. Prof. Rohit Swarup started first session on Design Thinking Methodology. He delivered multimedia presentation emphasizing learning perspective of Design Thinking at initial stage of Design Engineering.

Design Engineering Workshop organised by Computer Department under TEQIP-III

The objective to organize this workshop is to train the students with subject and how to find the problems (around us and/or society) and different innovative solutions for the problems using latest tools and technologies of design thinking approaches. Mr. Rohit Swarup was the invited speaker for the workshop. He has wide experience in the field of design engineering and delivered 274+ expert talk across the globe.

Design Engineering Basic level-1 Design & Innovation Thinking 3 Credit Course for MBA FT FY Course of IMT Ghaziabad

The session started with emphasis on the Design Thinking process for the management students such that they understood the concept of Design Thinking a 3 credit course at IMT Ghaziabad. The focus of this series was to empower students with the design thinking process as an approach for human- centred innovation. The Innovation & Research Foundation team of Prof. Rohit Swarup, Prof. Amar Gargesh & Prof. Ninad Shastri, Prof. Karmjitsinh Bihola & Ms. Romita Swarup.

3 DAY WORKSHOP ON CO DESIGNING SOLUTIONS TO AHMEDABAD’S HERITAGE AND SMART CITY FUSION

Excursion Visit to Adalaj Vav, Ahmedabad–A discussion and Team Building activities beyond the boundaries of Class rooms–A Design Thinking way of learning.

K J Method & Affinity Map Voting

Ideation, Sketch, Prototype, Concept Presentation

Through Others Eyes, 3P Check, BMC

Idea Finalization &Valedictory

Design Thinking & Innovation for Shanti Business School PGDM Full Time FY

The Innovation & Research Foundation team of Prof. Rohit Swarup, Prof. Amar Gargesh, Ms. Romita Swarup & Mr. Ishtayag Quadri took this 2 day workshop where the stress was on .

1. Learn design thinking as an approach for human- centred innovation.

2. Practice interviewing and observation skills to develop an empathetic worldview.

3. Framing actionable problem statements.

4. Ideate & create a storyboard.

5. Understanding of prototyping as a strategy to develop & test ideas.

6. Develop problem solving approach.

Prototyping for students of NIRMA

This workshop was conducted by Mr. Rohit Swarup and Ms. Romita Swarup where the students were introduced to Design Thinking and later they moved on to Prototyping.

The workshop objective were as follows:

1. Learn design thinking as an approach for human- centred innovation.

2. Practice interviewing and observation skills to develop an empathetic worldview.

3. Framing actionable problem statements.

4. Ideate & create a storyboard.

5. Understanding of prototyping as a strategy to develop & test ideas.

6. Develop problem solving approach.

IMT Ghaziabad Design & Innovation Thinking Proposal by IRF

The Innovation & Research Foundation Director Prof. Rohit Swarup took this Session as a proposal for the IMT Ghaziabad

Proposed Project stages

Stage I : Step I : Design & Innovation thinking Course for Students

Stage I : Step II : Faculty Development Programme

Stage II : Framework, Curriculum & Pedagogy Development

Stage III : Content, Teaching-Learning practices, Teaching-Learning Aid Development

Stage IV : Handholding for Implementation, Quality & Benchmarking

Jaipuria Institute of Management

This 1 Credit Course of the Management students was conducted by Mr. Rohit Swarup Which spreaded in a 2 days workshop with 1 day orientation, where Best Practices were shared, Various cases were shared and how to apply learning gained to Job

The workshop objective was developing the 21st Century Traits.

Institute of Management, Nirma University, MBA Full Time FY

The Innovation & Research Foundation Director Prof. Rohit Swarup took this 3 days workshopfor the Institute of Management, Nirma University, First Year Students

Proposed Project stages, AQUIRING SKILLS AT YOUR JOB, Design Thinking Project, Newer Tools were introduced.

Day 2 started by Problem Articulation taken by Ms. Romita Swarup Sr. Mentor at Fx

Day 3 started with Work display followed by Desing Nuances and several cases were discussed by Mr. Rohit Swarup

Indian Institute of Management IIIM-A

This series of Design Thinking for E Governanace for the Management students of IIM-A was conducted by Mr. Rohit Swarup Which spreaded in a 2 days workshop with 1 day orientation, where Best Practices were shared, Various cases were shared and how to apply Design Thinking to the projects that students have taken up in the area of E Governance.The workshop objective was how Design Thinking would help in E Governance.

Glimpse of Universities & Institutes Who We Have Worked With

“From time to time an ancient philosophy needs intelligent reinterpretation in the context of new times.” Bhagwad Geeta

Corporate

Innovaiton & Research Foundation over the last decade has been working extensively with corporate sector worldwide to inculcate & nurture innovation & innovative thinking using several approaches, such as agile, lean, problem solving projects, emotional intelligence models, communication models etc; amongst them the most prominent one being Design Thinking.

Experts emphasize that the whole is more than the sum of the parts, as it forms a system. They point to organizational shortcomings when merely applying isolated elements without awareness for the interdependencies of mind-set, principles, practices and tools that constitute the concept for them.

A majority of organizations - 72.3% - localizes their design thinking practice in a traditional way, for example in departments or support functions such as Marketing or R & D. Design thinking experts however believe that such a unit or consultancy model restricts its potential. They claim that design thinking has to instead be set up as a cultural change program beyond teams and organizational functions.

India is among the fastest growing economies in the world. Industries thus have their inherent advantages; however, fast paced growth also brings about certain challenges. Organizations thus need to become agile, flexible, adaptive and relevant in order to sustain in these changing times. Organizations can no longer wait to dictate the emerging skill set, but must be proactive in partnering, aligning resources and tailoring opportunities to achieve a direct and measurable impact.

We are at the dawn of a new innovation age in so many ways. Our technological understanding is growing by leaps and bounds and the ability to overlay data measurement systems into the built environment is changing our relationships with physical space. These changes, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by diminishing economic resources, public health challenges, and political congestion, provide those living to seize the moment with a unique opportunity to shape the future.

Problems induced by continuing population growth and its pressure on resources and environment have reached a stage where serious concern must be given to the processes of decision making being used by governmental and institutional leaders.In the last few years, “Design Thinking” has gained popularity - it is now seen as an exciting new paradigm for dealing with problems in sectors as far a field as IT, Business, Education and Medicine.

The demands placed on today’s organizations and their managers suggest that we have to develop pedagogies combining analytic reasoning with a more exploratory skill set that design practitioners have embraced and business schools have traditionally neglected.

Creativity & Design Thinking are emerging as the most important inputs for successful Establishment, Transformation and Value Creation of organisations and their stakeholders. In today’s time, to merely survive, it is essential that all professionals become “Innovation Sensitive” and all organisations nurture and encourage an “Environment of Innovation”. Innovation is best learnt and managed by Exploration, Experimentation and Expression.

Organisations are therefore looking for individuals pre-equipped with the skill set, a skill set required for the 21st century. It thus becomes essential that the institutions preparing individuals to enter these organisations value and propagate these skills.

Glimpse of workshops conducted by Innovation & Research Foundation on range of topics, such as

Establishing an Innovation & Design Department
Creating a Culture of Innovation
Creativity in Organization
Idea generation for new products
Resource optimization
Systems Optimization
Risk Management
Reduction in production time
Product life cycle planning (diversification & growth)
Improving business bottom line
Strategic interventions
Team Building
Consumer Focused organization
Rapid Prototyping with customers
Problem identification & research
Knowledge management

Hero Moto Corp Workshop A

Hero MotoCorp Ltd

Design Thinking & Innovation Workshop

It was series of workshops on design thinking for middle level managers with an objective to solve inter departmental problems, by coming up with innovative possibilities for system, process, products with 150+ people attending to create distinct identity and brand value.

Middle level Management professionals

Three-Day Design Thinking Workshop

It was orientation to Design Thinking to nurture the temperament forexploration, expression, and experimentation anthropology study, ethnography, scamper, rapid prototyping). The number of people attended the workshop were 14, including professionals from L &T, HCL, TCS, Cognizant USA, Reliance Power Limited, Trident Limited, Tata Motors Ltd, GlobalLogic, etc.

Design Thinking Program for Middle Level Management Professionals

Hindustan Unilever, Mumbai

Creativity and Innovation Workshop

Done for the R & D team at Mumbai centre with thirty staff members. Covered topics like creative thinking, creativity techniques & tools, design thinking with an Objective to introduce innovation & development of mind-set to embrace innovation.

Thomas Industrial Directory International

Customized Workshop “Mission Countdown”

It was an Experiential workshop using martial arts, theatre, hypnosis and pottery to change the mind-set, to coordinate all aspects for a time bound project. The overall framework was based on Design Thinking. It was a Customized workshop to achieve their target in 50% time.

Corporate Workshop on Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs & Managers

Meditab (Global Company)

Knowledge & Creativity Workshop

The objective of the workshop was to develop team work through integrated and interactive communication, and also to empower innovative thinking and tools for continuous creativity. It was attended by over 60 people, it was spread over two weekends.

Dimensions 360

Knowledge & Creativity Workshop

The workshop focussed on innovation and creativity. They followed the Stanford Approach of the design Thinking to solve their problems.

Hero Moto Corp Workshop B

Army Institute

Design Thinking & Innovation Workshop

The institution wanted to establish a Design and Innovation thinking centre with the aim of providing entrepreneurial abilities amongst its team members. This was achieved through inculcating ideation along with problem finding that is part of Design Thinking process.

MICA

Through eyes of an entrepreneur

The workshop conducted at the MICA was to given an orientation on the start-up and how to be an entrepreneur. It was conducted by using SCAMPER, new age approaches such as Design Thinking, agile and lean. The workshop focussed on team building activities.

Corporate Workshop on Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs & Managers

Design Thinking for Start ups

The workshop started by addressing the 21st century skills by World Economic Forum. The workshop followed Stanford’s Design Thinking process, followed by empathy, observation, exercises on bodily expressions. A strong focus was made on ethnography research methods, data analysis strategies, empathize & define, interview tips.

NID Ahmedabad

Entrepreneur, Intrapreneur Or Both

This NID Ahmedabad workshop was conducted to orient the gathering towards the start-up culture. The session was conducted by making them do the exercise of team building, ideation and prototyping for a new product, process or strategy.

Workshop on Design Thinking for Start Ups at iCreate

China " One Belt One Road Xian "

"Shared Memory, Common Development - International Seminar on the Belt and Road Initiative" a presentation on, ‘Contemporary Collaborative Education Model for sustained Cultural & Economic development of Silk Road (One Belt & One Road Initiative)’ on 26th & China by Mr. Rohit Swarup. He talked about Sustained success of One Belt and One Road in contemporary times, Interpret cultures other than one’s own i.e. progression from,Cultural Sensitivity à Cultural Awareness à Cultural Intelligence.

International Forum Need for Design Thinking & Strategies

The session started with the 21st century traits, and the industry needs to bridge the gap, explanation of concept ‘purpose to meaning, the seven spiritual skills advocated by Tony Wagner in his book, The Global Achievement Gap and the skills proposed by the world economic forum and concluded through what is stopping us?

Presentation for Vibrant Gujarat Start up Summit

"Role of Industry in Start-Up Ecosystem” Vibrant Gujarat into an era of compassion, collaboration, co-creation was conducted by Mr. Rohit Swarup.

The key points were “No Separate Incubator” But Entrepreneurial Spirit embedded in the organization & programs. Not just random BUT process based i.e. Developing 21st Century Skills & Traits (Temperament). Using Design & Innovation Thinking as an approach (Innovation in Systems, processes & products-services).

Our Founder Director Invited to China

Our Founder Director Mr. Rohit Swarup was invited to the Luoyang – Silk Road International Creative Culture Forum & Exhibition to meet the Govt. officials & deliver a lecture on Creativity, Design & Innovation. The Event saw individuals from US, Russia, Korea, Spain, Germany, Israel, Iran, Columbia and representation of local artists, entrepreneurs, govt. officials.

Presentation by Mr. Rohit Swarup India

International Handicrafts and Folk Art EXPO Guiyang, CHINA

Initiatives in China: Launch of the Xplora International Animation program in Guiyang University (1st Xplora Campus in China), Initiation for Setting up of Innovation & Design labs (Contemporary Education Center) in schools & colleges (Engineering & Management) – Beijing, Guiyang & Xingyi and Opening of Futurz Xplored Subjects and Futurz Lab in various cities of China

Design Thinking for Startups at icreate

This unique workshop for the Startups at icreate was conducted by Founder Director Mr. Rohit Swarup. There was a focus on why startups fail, what is the benefit of how startups take advantage of Desing Thinking. An address to the pain points of startups was too focused. This 3 hours workshop was an eye opener for the startups and followed by a drill of design thinking processes.

Glimpse of Corporates Who We Have Worked With

IIT-Kanpur Joint Programs

Essential skills and perspectives for surviving and prospering in the era of disruption and exponential growth

Advances in data informed intelligent systems; additive manufacturing and other such disruptive (exponential) technologies are not only redefining the technological, business and social landscape but impacting culture, globally. We need to go back to first principle and fundamentally re-design complex systems that inform our way of life. This change can be intimidating for the fear of being left behind or out dated. Or, it can be, enormously empowering, to individuals and institutions, who are not only aware of these technologically mediated transformative changes but also essentially (re-) skilled to participate in this the biggest and fastest era of sustainable global growth, volatility and prosperity ever experienced by mankind.

Institutions have to create capacities and develop new capabilities to survive and prosper. The new norm is to re-learn and re-structure; to harvest the creativity of technologically empowered & visually thinking and expressive human capital.

Continuous updating of skills available within the Human Resource (HR) of any organization is necessary for remaining competitive. Skills development require considerable time investment, which translates to significant HR development costs. Widely followed format in this regard is to collaborate with an academic institution of repute and conduct a customized up-gradation sessions for a group of employees. Such endeavors are usually known as Talent Development Program (synonymously known as MDP). However, such MDP initiatives focus mainly on exposing the workforce to latest know-how.

Translation of knowledge to usable skills require specialized programs that are vastly different from typical MDP approaches. Skill development requires three major steps, in the following specific sequence.

1. Know-how stage: The simplest and easiest of the three steps, in which participants are exposed to chosen concepts. Most MDPs start and end at this stage itself, leaving the major portion of skill building to participants themselves. However, this stage is important to provide the exposure and background knowledge about those chosen concepts.

2. Do-how stage: This stage follows the know-how stage, where participants are trained on how to apply learned concepts to carefully chosen practical examples. The stage focuses on monitored hand-holding of participants so that application skills on the chosen concepts are developed. This stage is mostly industry specific and also heavily concept dependent. But, this is extremely necessary to ensure that participants develop proper skills when putting the know-how into practice.

3. Show-how stage: The final stage of the skill building process, where participants demonstrate their skills on carefully chosen industry relevant problems that are open-ended and requiring several modeling decisions/assumptions to apply the concept. This stage also serves as the evaluation phase of the skilling process. The major decisions to be made by the participants include, but not limited to, what are the decision questions, what data to use, what assumptions to make, where to look for data, how to develop an appropriate solution approach to the open ended problem, validate and verify the approach and results, interpret those results, and so on.

The major hurdle in this process is the non-availability of a platform that facilitates this approach and seamlessly integrate with expert face time. While there are many applications that do the job of Learning Management Systems (LMS), their applicability for skill-building MDPs is quite limited. This mandates the development of such a portal that is tailor-made for skill-building MDPs; targeted at the corporate audience. The major road block in this ambitious idea is the non-existence of any such portals. SSOL of IITK is presently developing such a portal using open source applications, named as ExEd Portal (ExEdP), to address this technological deficit. The ExEdP has four major components.

1. Enhanced User Interface & User Experience(UI&UX) to ensure appropriate exposures in all three stages of know-how, do-how, and show-how.

2. Content Management System (CMS) that facilitates the faculty/resource personnels to deliver contents (know-how) over web to the target audience.

3. Collaboration environment to facilitate the do-how aspect of skill building and real-time feedback to correct errors developed during skill development process.

4. Seamless integration of the system with faculty face time events to facilitate show-how and conduct final evaluation and feedback before certification.

Student

ONLINE PROGRAMS <

Foundation Skills for Artificial Intelligence (FSAI)

Deep Learning Graduates (DLG)

Machine Learning Graduate (MLG)

OFFLINE PROGRAMS

WORKSHOPS

Artificial Intelligence AI 101 For Students

One Day Workshop

Two Day Workshop

Faculty

ONLINE PROGRAMS

Foundation Skills for Artificial Intelligence (FSAI)

Machine Learning Graduate (MLG)

Deep Learning Graduates (DLG)

Corporate

OFFLINE PROGRAMS

Artificial Intelligence Foundations for Practitioners (AIFP)

Advanced Machine Learning Experts (AMLE)

Advanced Deep Learning Designers (ADLD)

Artificial Intelligence Systems Designer

WORKSHOPS

Artificial Intelligence AI 101 For Managers

ONLINE PROGRAMS

Foundation Skills for Artificial Intelligence (FSAI)

Deep Learning Graduates (DLG)

Machine Learning Graduate (MLG)

Organizations

IITK was established in 1959 under the special act of Parliament of Republic of India, incorporated under the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961 is one of the premier technology institutions. The aim of the Institute is to provide meaningful education, to conduct original research of the highest standard and to provide leadership in technological innovation. Education at IITK empowers the students with a critical thinking led approach, scientific temperament and knowledge in science, engineering, management and humanities fields to solve problems that challenge humanity. Researchers at IITK do high level research often at the forefront in its area. The diversity of research projects undertaken by IITK is a measure of the strong track record of research at IITK. The faculty of IITK develops significant research contributions to pure science, engineering, humanities, management, and design fields while empowering the next generation of students with a world-class education. Smart Systems Lab of IITK was established with the aim to develop system-oriented solutions for various problems faced by industry.

Smart Systems and Operations Laboratory (SSOL) of Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) shall primarily be responsible for managing the ExEdP portal along with various skill oriented courses offered under its DORD course program. These programs will culminate in appropriate certification about the course completed successfully.

Innovation Research Foundation (IRF) offers meaningful perspectives to education, research and professional development. The foundation is led through a consortium of forward looking educationists and professionals having diverse expertise through rich experience. The team offers specialised inputs to academia and industry in innovation thinking, design pedagogy and management skills. The Foundation engages with the universities, corporates and government agencies for programs, workshops and consulting projects of strategic and tactical involvement. IRF serves global clients based in India, China, Europe, Australia and USA. IRF in partnership with IIT Kanpur has taken up the mission of creating employement and adding value to the corporate sector in the domain of Emerging Technologies (AI, ML, Big Data, Data Analytics, Additive Manufacturing etc.), www.irfindia.org

Futurz Xplored is an ISO certified education company that aims at address the 21st Century educational needs. Genesis of Futurz Xplored was a result of extensive global research of over a decade by eminent academician from across the world. Currently Futurz Xplored is impacting the lives of 100000+ students, teachers & professionals annually, through range of in school & independent campuses in India, China, USA & Canada. Educational programmes : Global 100 Children Incubator, Curriculum & Mentor, After School programme, Do it Yourself Kits for teachers & parents, Workshops, and, Independent Campuses (i297). www.futurzxplored.com

Noesis Innovative Systems Pvt. Ltd.facilitates the face times with experts and also assists in the hand-holding sessions with the participants. This organization will also assists the experts in conducting evaluations and assist in dispersing timely feedbacks to participants and various officials of the partnering organization.

Team Of Experts

Development and delivery of various skill-oriented HR development using ExEdP involves multiple experts at various time points. Necessary expertise will be drawn from the pool of collaborating experts depending on the content of the skill-oriented program. However, the following people will form the lead team in this endeavor.

Dr. Deepu Philip: is a faculty in the IME Department of IITK. He is also a faculty of the Design Program and heads the smart systems and operations laboratory of IIT Kanpur. He is also the coordinator of the Visionary Leaders For Manufacturing (VLFM), the premier tri-institute (IIMC, IITK, IITM) degree awarding program in India. His research is primarily focused on security (national, food, and energy), Manufacturing systems, Entrepreneurship, Systems Simulation, Unmanned Aerial Systems and Systems Engineering. His bachelor’s degree is in Industrial Engineering with his doctorate in Industrial & Management Engineering from MSU Bozeman. He has experience in designing and implementing complex system of systems in different fields.

Dr. Ashutosh Khanna - is a faculty of Strategy at International Management Institute, New Delhi where he is also the head for Strategy & General Management and Chairman of the Center for Disruptive Innovation & Enterprise [CDIE]. His work and research areas include: Innovation Audit; Entrepreneurship [Corporate & Start-up]; Networks – Hierarchies – Hybrids; Activity & Value Systems; Intangible Assets & IPR; Corporate Strategy & Growth; Business Modeling; Indian PSUs, Indian MSME and Business Systems [India UnInc.]. He has an MSc & PhD from the London School of Economics & Political Science, U.K. He is currently working on developing platforms of collaborations for enhancing strategic productivity across Indian business systems using innovations in physical and social technologies.

Dr. Satyaki Roy - is a faculty in the HSS Department of IITK. He is also a faculty of the Design Program and presently is the head of the program. He specializes in visual communication, packaging design, informatics, interface design, interaction design, and so on. He obtained his PhD from IIT Guwahati in the area of aesthetic continuum. He is now working on the usability design of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) along with specialized and reusable packaging design, knowledge informatics, and smart distant learning systems.

3D Printing For Adults