VESIT partners with MBF & Addverb to launch new Tinkerers' Lab
Vivekanand Education Society's Institute of Technology (VESIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Maker Bhavan Foundation (MBF) and Addverb Technologies for the installation of a new Tinkerers' Labouratory at its Chembur, Mumbai campus.
The MBF-Tinkerers' Labouratory (MBF-TL) is the result of a partnership aimed at encouraging innovation, hands-on learning, and the development of industry-relevant skills among students. MBF is providing prototyping equipment to support the initiative, while Addverb Technologies is contributing a 6-axis collaborative robotic arm, also known as a cobot.
Hands-on learning environment
The main objective of the joint effort is to create a practical learning environment for students at VESIT. The laboratory will be equipped to allow experimentation and the acquisition of practical engineering skills. In addition to the equipment, the collaboration will facilitate a range of learning opportunities, including workshops, courses, boot camps, and teacher training programmes. These will be conducted through the LEAP (Learning Engineering by Activity through Projects) Programme, which is under the IIT Madras Incubation Cell.
The participants in the partnership have stated that their goal is to enhance STEM education and research within India, underlining a collective commitment to the sector.
Statements from VESIT leadership
Dr Jayalekshmi Nair, Principal of VESIT, commented on the collaboration and outlined how it builds on existing initiatives at the institution.
"For the past five years, VESIT has established Tinkerers' Labs across all departments as dedicated spaces for students to explore new ideas, implement solutions, and test their innovations - all aligned with the 'Learning by Doing' philosophy. This initiative has significantly contributed to developing problem-solving abilities and fostering critical thinking among our students. The provision of extended lab hours has further empowered students to undertake extra projects and achieve remarkable success in competitions such as the Inventors Challenge, Automation Challenge, and various Hackathons."
"Notably, VESIT has consistently excelled in the prestigious Smart India Hackathon conducted by AICTE since its inception. We are now immensely grateful to MBF and ADDVERB for establishing the state-of-the-art MBF-Tinkerers' Lab, which offers enhanced facilities for our students. A special thanks to ADDVERB for providing a 6-axis COBOT equipped with the latest technology. This invaluable addition will offer exceptional hands-on exposure, especially for students specializing in Automation and Robotics."
Dr Nair further emphasised the importance of the partnership in VESIT's progression towards practical and industry-aligned education, saying,
"This partnership is a significant milestone in VESIT's journey toward experiential and industry-aligned education. The MBF-Tinkerers' Labouratory will empower our students to go beyond textbooks and become creators, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow."
Vision from Maker Bhavan Foundation
Damayanti Bhattacharya, CEO of Maker Bhavan Foundation, underscored the broader intent behind the collaboration, stating,
"This collaboration is about more than just a lab - it's about igniting a mindset of curiosity and invention. The MBF-Tinkerers' Labouratory at VESIT will become a launchpad for students to explore, experiment, and engineer solutions for real-world challenges. We're proud to partner with institutions that share our vision of transforming technical education through hands-on, purpose-driven learning."
Sandeep Natekar of Maker Bhavan Foundation further elaborated on MBF's wider mission, stating,
"At MBF, we are committed to transforming engineering education in India by promoting project-based learning. The Tinkerers' Lab at VESIT is yet another step towards equipping students with the mindset and skills needed for the real world."
Emphasis on real-world skills
The MBF-Tinkerers' Labouratory is expected to enhance VESIT's reputation for academic excellence and the application of practical skills in technical education. The partnership reflects the growing trend among technical institutes in India to collaborate with industry and foundations, enhancing resources for students and ensuring that graduates are equipped for modern engineering roles.
