Engineering Colleges in Kerala to have mini fab Labs

Updated on: Tuesday, October 20, 2015

ktu Engineering students can now let their imaginations run wild. Coming to select engineering colleges in the Kerala are mini ‘fab labs’ (Fabrication Laboratories), which help convert those imaginative ideas to prototypes. The ambitious venture is being rolled out under the aegis of Kerala Technological University (KTU), in association with the Kerala Startup Mission (KSM).

“Twenty engineering colleges will have mini fab labs in the initial phase of the project. We had received 46 applications from the affiliated engineering colleges. An expert committee will short-list the first 20,” said M. Abdul Rahman, Pro-Vice Chancellor of KTU.

The project proposal in colleges said that the mini fab lab will work on a partnership model, where KSM and the host institution will share the cost on a 50:50 basis.

Experts representing Fab Lab Kerala (comprising the two Fab Labs in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram set up by the government with the support of Massachusetts Institute of Technology) will provide the technical expertise to run and maintain the mini fab labs in colleges. The partnering institution will buy the equipment. KSM will undertake the installation of the fab labs under the supervision of technical experts from the Fab Foundation.

Some of the equipment in a mini lab includes laser cutter- mini version; mill/router CNC; vinyl cutter; electronics workbench: function generator; soldering station and accessories.

People behind the initiative exuded confidence while stating that the proposed mini fab labs will help in stepping up the technical skills of both engineering students and teachers. They will also get wide recognition as Fab Lab courses and certification are accepted globally. Young inventors have an opportunity to get international visibility for their products besides getting a chance to collaborate on Fab Lab projects through the Fab Lab network. The youngsters could explore the advantage of having a dedicated channel to connect with Fab gurus at Fab Labs in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

They will also receive opportunities to collaborate with Kerala Startup Mission to develop startups based on products developed at the mini fab labs.

Engineering Colleges in Kerala to have mini fab Labs

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