InnovateTN

At the heart of true innovation lies a deep understanding of real-world challenges, uncovered through direct engagement with those who face them. Recently, 17 ambitious student teams embarked on the customer discovery journeys across diverse sectors—ranging from manufacturing and wildlife sanctuaries to healthcare and global corporations. Their mission: to tackle critical issues, design sustainable solutions, and build innovative products with real, measurable impact. Guided by the Forge Innovation Handbook, each team dived deeply to understand user needs, uncover potential risks, and validate their ideas. This process—far beyond mere classroom theory—empowered students to test assumptions and shape ideas based on real customer insights. These firsthand interactions allowed students to confirm whether the problems they identified truly exist and, more importantly, understand what their target customers genuinely need. Through these experiences, ProtoSem acts as the platform, transforming ideas into tomorrow’s impactful products and services, all while cultivating skills in critical thinking, innovation, and industry relevance. Customer discovery is where education meets real-world impact. By immersing in this process through a structured methodology, we are empowering future innovators to lead with purpose, creating solutions that will shape a sustainable and innovative world. #innovation #technology Forge Innovation & Ventures | Media Team, Ministry of Education's Innovation Cell | StartupTN | Naan Mudhalvan - TN Skill | State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) | FaMeTN | TAHDCO | Guidance Tamil Nadu | AICTE | Kumaraguru College of Technology | Vish Sahasranamam | Dr. B.L.Lakshmi Meera | Dr. Mahesh Veezhinathan | Charath Chander Natarajan | Sarveswaran S | Atheesvaran G |

Ideation Sprint Day 5: Showcasing Product Innovation to the Grand Jury Day 5 of the Ideation Sprint marked the culmination of weeks of hard work and learning. Students presented their Minimum Usable Prototypes (MUPs) to a panel of expert judges in a rigorous evaluation process. The focus of the Ideation Sprint was to identify and nurture innovative solutions with the potential to become commercially viable products. The program emphasized the importance of creating solutions that are low-cost, accessible, reliable, and Customer-friendly. Students showcased a wide range of MUPs, demonstrating their ability to apply their newly acquired skills in product development and innovation. The expert panel evaluated each innovation using the Innovation Rubric - A comprehensive tool that assesses factors such as innovativeness, commercial viability, and market readiness. The top-performing teams had the opportunity to present their innovations to a wider audience, showcasing their potential for future development and commercialization. The Ideation Sprint provided students with a valuable learning experience, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to bring their innovative ideas to life. The program also fostered a culture of collaboration, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking. Forge Innovation & Ventures | Government of Tamil Nadu | Government College of Engineering, Srirangam | StartupTN | Naan Mudhalvan - TN Skill | AICTE | Sivarajah Ramanathan | Innocent Divya | Guidance Tamil Nadu | Vish Sahasranamam | Dr. B.L.Lakshmi Meera | Dr. Mahesh Veezhinathan | Deepak N. | Alben David | Praveen Kumar M | Manikandan R | Atheesvaran G |

Ideation Sprint Day 4: From Ideas to Prototypes Day 4 of the Ideation Sprint was a day of intense focus and hands-on innovation. Teams put their fullest effort into testing the industrial use cases to develop practical and impactful solutions. Guided by the mantra "Right PROTOTYPE and Prototype RIGHT," students from GCE Srirangam worked tirelessly to create Minimum Usable Prototypes (MUPs) that were not only useful but also usable and technically feasible. Through rigorous problem identification, customer interviews, and secondary research, they transformed their ideas into tangible solutions. One-on-one mentoring sessions with our expert team provided students with valuable guidance and support in mastering rapid prototyping tools and techniques. These sessions equipped them with the skills necessary to bring their MUPs to life and showcase their innovative solutions. As students delved into the hands-on process of prototyping, their excitement and enthusiasm were palpable. The lab was abuzz with activity as they transformed their ideas into tangible products. This day marked a significant milestone in their learning journey, as they experienced firsthand the power of innovation and the satisfaction of seeing their ideas take shape. #innovation #technology Forge Innovation & Ventures | Government of Tamil Nadu | Government College of Engineering, Srirangam | StartupTN | Naan Mudhalvan - TNSDC | AICTE | Sivarajah Ramanathan | Innocent Divya | Guidance Tamil Nadu | Vish Sahasranamam | Dr. B.L.Lakshmi Meera | Dr. Mahesh Veezhinathan | Deepak N. | Alben David | Praveen Kumar M | Manikandan R | Atheesvaran G |

We’re deep into Week 10 of ProtoSem PS 1.14, and it’s been an exhilarating journey of discovery and hands-on learning! Over the four days, trainees immersed themselves in "Coding for Innovators", covering a range of core programming concepts and real-world applications. Here’s what they explored: Core Python Concepts & Syntax – From variables to operators, they built a solid foundation in Python, mastering its basic building blocks. Building Functions & Utilizing Modules – They learned how to streamline their code by writing effective functions and leveraging Python's extensive library. Control Flow Mastery – Understanding conditional statements and loops to guide their program’s logic was truly a game changer. Mastering Lists – List operations, traversal, and slicing gave them powerful tools for manipulating data with precision. String Manipulation & Conversion – From formatting to conversion, they dove deep into handling text in Python. Dictionaries in Action – Key-value pairs, showcasing how dictionaries can enhance tier data organization. File Handling in Python – Managing files efficiently, including advanced file operations, opened doors for deeper data analysis. Creating Word Histograms & Frequency Analysis – trainees even analyzed text data and created visual word histograms—analyzing the data like pros! Turtle Graphics – It was creativity unleashed as they designed shapes and patterns through code. And to top it off, they ventured into the powerful world of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), unlocking the key concepts of encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction. Lastly, trainees were introduced to Software Engineering Life Cycles, Agile Methodologies, and even an introduction to Linux with Process Management through VirtualBox. Forge Innovation & Ventures | Media Team, Ministry of Education's Innovation Cell | StartupTN | Naan Mudhalvan - TNSDC | State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) | FaMeTN | TAHDCO | Guidance Tamil Nadu | AICTE | Kumaraguru College of Technology | Vish Sahasranamam | Dr. B.L.Lakshmi Meera | Dr. Mahesh Veezhinathan | Charath Chander Natarajan | Sarveswaran S | Atheesvaran G | Mohammed Farooq Abdulla F M | Khavya Priya

Ideation Sprint Day 3: From MUPs to Market-Ready Solutions Day 3 of the Ideation Sprint at InnovateTN.Trichy was a day of focused action and hands-on learning. Participants delved deeper into the world of MUP (Minimum Usable Prototype) concept generation and assessment. Our expert mentors provided personalized guidance and support, helping students navigate the complexities of MUP development and tailor their concepts to their specific challenge statements. With a solid foundation in MUP concept generation, students turned their attention to the Bill of Materials (BOM). This crucial step ensured that they had a clear understanding of the components and resources needed to bring their ideas to life. The day concluded with a session on persuasive pitching, equipping students with the essential skills to effectively communicate the value of their innovations. This marked a significant milestone as participants prepared to showcase their work to potential investors and partners. As students stepped into the InnovateTN lab, they were immersed in a world of cutting-edge technology and innovation. This hands-on experience provided them with the opportunity to transform their ideas into tangible prototypes and bring their visions to life. #innovation #technology Forge Innovation & Ventures | Government of Tamil Nadu | Government College of Engineering, Srirangam | StartupTN | Naan Mudhalvan - TNSDC | AICTE | Sivarajah Ramanathan | Innocent Divya | Guidance Tamil Nadu | Vish Sahasranamam | Dr. B.L.Lakshmi Meera | Dr. Mahesh Veezhinathan| Deepak N. | Alben David | Praveen Kumar M | Manikandan R | Atheesvaran G |

Ideation Sprint Day 2: Fueling Innovation with Value Proposition Creation Day 2 of the Ideation Sprint at InnovateTN.Trichy was a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration. With 256 students, 43 teams, 14 innovation mentors, and 43 ideas under 8 Forge.Futurescopes, the energy was palpable. Following the initial problem validation and customer discovery, teams delved into the art of crafting compelling value propositions. Armed with the value propositions tools & Forge Innovation Rubric, students learned to define the core features and functions of their products, ensuring they addressed customer needs and created tangible value. One-on-one interactions with our expert team were instrumental in guiding students towards refining their value propositions. Our mentors provided personalized feedback and insights, helping students hone their ideas and make them more impactful. The day culminated in a series of value pitch presentations, where teams showcased their innovative concepts to their respective mentors. This exercise provided valuable feedback and helped students identify the key features to focus on for their Proof of Concept (PoC) development. As the Ideation Sprint continues, we are excited to witness the incredible innovations that will emerge from these talented students. Stay tuned for updates on the next phase of this exciting journey, where participants will bring their ideas to life through prototyping and testing. #innovation #technology Forge Innovation & Ventures | Government of Tamil Nadu | Government College of Engineering, Srirangam | StartupTN | Naan Mudhalvan - TNSDC | AICTE | Sivarajah Ramanathan | Innocent Divya | Guidance Tamil Nadu | Vish Sahasranamam | Dr. B.L.Lakshmi Meera | Dr. Mahesh Veezhinathan | Deepak N. | Alben David | Praveen Kumar M | Manikandan R | Atheesvaran G |

Ideation Sprint at InnovateTN.Trichy Day 1: The Ideation Sprint at InnovateTN.Trichy was a transformative experience that challenged students to push the boundaries of their creativity and innovation. This immersive program offered a unique opportunity for students to: Spark their imagination: Generate a constant flow of ideas and explore new possibilities. Transform ideas into action: Develop proof of concepts that validate the potential of their ideas. Master essential skills: Acquire the skills and competencies needed to succeed in innovation and product development. The program began with an “Innovation 101” session, providing a solid foundation for understanding the principles of problem-solving and customer-centric innovation. Participants learned the importance of empathizing with users and identifying their unmet needs. Next, students delved into the Forge Innovation Rubric, a powerful tool to guide innovators through a fast-tracked process of validating inherent risks by linking their progress to customer acceptance and customer commitment By systematically evaluating their assumptions and translating them into actionable insights, students gained a clearer understanding of the real-world viability of their concepts.The journey continued with problem validation and customer discovery. Participants learned how to identify their target customers and understand their pain points through customer interactions. This marked the initiation of their journey to understand the customer perspectives and arrive at a solution that can mitigate risk and validate their value propositions. #innovation #technology Forge Innovation & Ventures | Government of Tamil Nadu | Government College of Engineering, Srirangam | StartupTN | Naan Mudhalvan - TNSDC | AICTE | Sivarajah Ramanathan | Innocent Divya | Guidance Tamil Nadu | Vish Sahasranamam | Dr. B.L.Lakshmi Meera | Dr. Mahesh Veezhinathan | Deepak N. | Alben David | Praveen Kumar M | Manikandan R | Atheesvaran G |

தீர்க்கத்தான், an initiative by Forge Innovation & Ventures, is dedicated to fostering student-driven innovation and transforming groundbreaking ideas into practical, impactful solutions. As a key feature of the Startup Thiruvizha - Madurai Edition, organized by StartupTN, this program empowers the next generation of innovators by providing the platform and resources they need to unlock their potential. Out of 157 submissions from student teams and recent graduates across Tamil Nadu, 55 teams were selected to pitch their innovative ideas on the prestigious தீர்க்கத்தான் platform. The 14 winning concepts ranged from radiative cooling technology, drone-based water quality monitoring to IoT-based landslide monitoring systems and hydraulic expanders for autoflow wells. All these innovations were closely aligned with Forge’s Futurescope/Innovation themes, showcasing their potential to reimagine tomorrow’s challenges. India’s path to a brighter future hinges on accelerated innovation. These forward-thinking ideas address real-world problems, break down barriers, and improve lives by applying scientific knowledge and translating it into impactful technologies. தீர்க்கத்தான் equips students to refine and elevate their ideas, mastering the science of innovation and utilizing advanced tools and techniques to create meaningful, real-world solutions. Media Team, Ministry of Education's Innovation Cell | Naan Mudhalvan - TNSDC | State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) | FaMeTN | TAHDCO | Guidance Tamil Nadu | AICTE | Kumaraguru College of Technology | Thiagarajar College of Engineering | Kalasalingam University | KLN College of Engineering, Madurai, India | Government College of Engineering, Srirangam | Government College of Engineering, Tirunelveli | Government College of Engineering, Salem | Government College of Engineering, Bargur | Government College of Engineering, Dharmapuri | PMC Tech Engineering College | RMK College of Engineering & Technology | SVCT- Sri Venkateswaraa College of Technology | Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology | PSNA College of Engineering and Technology | Holy Cross College | Karpagam College of Engineering | Arunachala College of Engineering for Women, Kanyakumari | Sethu Institute of Technology | Solamalai College of Engineering |Sivarajah Ramanathan | Innocent Divya | DoLabs | SPI EDGE | Vish Sahasranamam | Dr. B.L.Lakshmi Meera | Dr. Mahesh Veezhinathan | Ram Kumar S P | Selva J

Engineering Sprint @InnovateTN.Trichy, Day 3, we introduced our participants to the fundamentals of electronics—an essential skillset for our interdisciplinary teams as they tackle projects that demand a diverse range of knowledge and abilities. Students dove into passive components, sensors, and actuators, exploring real-world applications and building a strong foundation for building their innovation projects. The hands-on simulation using TinkerCAD brought their learning to life, allowing them to apply their electronics knowledge in a virtual setting, reinforcing their understanding in an interdisciplinary context. But technical skills alone aren’t enough. In parallel, we focused on problem-solving through the Idea Hexagon session—a creative brainstorming exercise designed to fuel innovation. Teams applied the framework to various products and solutions, sparking vibrant discussions and cross-team learning. This session ignited their creativity, encouraging them to think critically and collaborate effectively. The day was packed with teamwork, and hands-on exploration, pushing students to think beyond traditional boundaries. The energy and enthusiasm were truly inspiring! | Forge Innovation & Ventures | Government of Tamil Nadu | Government College of Engineering, Srirangam | StartupTN | Naan Mudhalvan - TNSDC | AICTE | Sivarajah Ramanathan | Innocent Divya | Guidance Tamil Nadu | Vish Sahasranamam | Dr. B.L.Lakshmi Meera | Dr. Mahesh Veezhinathan | Deepak N. | Charath Chander Natarajan | Ram Kumar S P | Alben David | Praveen Kumar M | Manikandan R | Nandalal Parthiban | JEYABOOPATHI SETHURAJ | Atheesvaran G |

We were honored to welcome Dr. PTR Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services, Tamil Nadu, who graciously addressed and distributed certificates to our winning teams of தீர்க்கத்தான் - Part of Startup Thiruvizha Madurai Edition. This year, we experienced an unprecedented level of participation, with 157 applications submitted by 23 engineering and technology institutions across 16 districts of Tamil Nadu. After a rigorous selection process, 49 outstanding teams were chosen as finalists, showcasing the exceptional talent. Ultimately, 14 teams were recognized as winners. The teams with winning ideas hail from prestigious institutions including Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, PSNA College of Engineering and Technology, Sri Sairam Engineering College, Holy Cross College, Karpagam College of Engineering, Arunachala College of Engineering for Women, Kanyakumari, Sethu Institute of Technology, Anna University Regional Campus Tirunelveli, and Solamalai College of Engineering. These teams will receive continued support and mentorship from the Forge team to further develop their innovative ideas. #innovation #technology #engineers #education Forge Innovation & Ventures | Media Team, Ministry of Education's Innovation Cell | StartupTN | Naan Mudhalvan - TNSDC | State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) | FaMeTN | TAHDCO | Guidance Tamil Nadu | AICTE | Kumaraguru College of Technology | Thiagarajar College of Engineering | Kalasalingam University | KLN College of Engineering, Madurai, India | Government College of Engineering, Srirangam | Government College of Engineering, Tirunelveli | Government College of Engineering, Salem | Government College of Engineering, Bargur| Government College of Engineering, Dharmapuri | PMC Tech Engineering College | RMK College of Engineering & Technology | SVCT- Sri Venkateswaraa College of Technology | Sivarajah Ramanathan | Innocent Divya | DoLabs | SPI EDGE | Vish Sahasranamam | Dr. B.L.Lakshmi Meera | Dr. Mahesh Veezhinathan | Ram Kumar S P | Selva J