Dr. P. Samyuktha serves as an Associate Professor and holds the esteemed position of Head of the Center for Innovation in Science and Technology (CIST) at KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology. Currently dedicated to her pursuit of a PhD in Renewable Energy Sources from JNTUH, her academic journey is fortified by certifications in Design Thinking from IIT Delhi and Entrepreneurship from the American consulate. As an ardent Innovation Ambassador, she has merited distinguished recognition, including the coveted Intinta Innovator award and a substantial grant under the T-Siri Prototype initiative from TSIC. Further adorning her accolades is the IUCEE's accolade for the best community outreach project.

Dr. Samyuktha's scholarly footprint extends through impactful publications and pioneering projects. Her research panorama encompasses the realms of adaptive wind turbine control, grid-connected solar power systems, and the burgeoning domain of electric vehicle charging technologies. Grounded in an unwavering commitment to ushering sustainable energy solutions, her multifaceted accomplishments amplify her role as a transformative educator and forward-thinking researcher. Dr. Samyuktha's dynamic stewardship nurtures innovation, fuels community betterment, and orchestrates a resonating ripple effect in the realm of academia and beyond.

KG Reddy College Of Engineering And Technology

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/dept. which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

Certainly, at the Center for Innovation in Science and Technology (CIST) in KG Reddy College, we're thrilled to offer a series of cutting-edge programs that empower our students to excel and distinguish themselves. Our latest initiatives include an "Idea Pitching Event for Problems Scouted," encouraging students to identify and creatively solve real-world challenges. Additionally, our "Inter/Intra Institutional Innovation Competitions" and hackathons foster collaborative problem-solving and innovation under tight deadlines. Our "Business Plan Pitching" program equips students with skills to develop comprehensive business strategies. These programs collectively nurture vital soft skills, hands-on experience, networking, and confidence. As the Head of CIST, I firmly believe these opportunities equip our students to shine in their endeavors, stand out prominently, and make significant contributions in their chosen paths.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt?

Our programs stand out as excellent options for students due to several key factors. Firstly, students receive invaluable feedback from experts, helping refine their ideas. Additionally, our emphasis on idea incubation means students can actively develop concepts into tangible projects and even startups, fostering hands-on learning and entrepreneurship. The networking opportunities offered connect students with mentors and peers, opening doors for future collaborations and employment prospects. These programs also enhance essential skills like presentation and critical thinking, while instilling confidence through expert validation. Moreover, our focus on addressing real-world issues ensures practical application of learning. In essence, the blend of expert guidance, practical experience, networking, and skill enhancement makes our programs a top choice for students aiming to excel and distinguish themselves.

What will you say the “best practices” in the course you’re offering 

The "best practices" in our Community Engagement in Design Thinking and Sustainable Development course encompass a holistic approach. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, students from various backgrounds unite to gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development issues. Practicality is emphasized as students engage in hands-on projects, translating design thinking principles into real solutions for communities. Stakeholder involvement, including community members and experts, ensures culturally sensitive and effective solutions. Fieldwork immersions provide direct exposure to challenges on-site, enabling contextually relevant ideation. The iterative design process encourages constant refinement based on feedback and real-world testing. Ethical considerations and guest lectures enrich perspectives. Prototyping, testing, reflection, and peer feedback facilitate experiential learning. Lastly, the course's focus on long-term impact empowers students to create enduring positive change in their communities through sustainable design thinking practices.

What are some valuable insights of the program that you are offering at your institute/dept.?

Certainly, our program offers valuable insights that greatly benefit our students. One of the key insights is the ability to recognize real-time problems within communities. Through field visits and engagement, students gain a deeper understanding of the challenges people face. This hands-on experience enables them to empathize with the issues and generate multiple innovative ideas for effective solutions. This process not only hones their problem-solving skills but also fosters a connection between classroom learning and real-world application. As a result, students develop a strong sense of social responsibility and a heightened awareness of the importance of sustainable and impactful solutions. This insight is instrumental in shaping students into well-rounded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to addressing pressing societal issues.

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How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

The program ensures students' preparedness for the future through a multifaceted approach. By immersing students in community visits and exposing them to real-time problems, their interest is ignited. This firsthand experience sparks curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine understanding of societal challenges. As a result, students are better equipped to anticipate and adapt to evolving needs in various fields. Moreover, the program's emphasis on identifying problems cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset. Students learn to view challenges as opportunities, fostering creativity and innovation. This lays the foundation for potential entrepreneurship ventures down the line. By nurturing problem-solving skills, empathy, and a proactive attitude, the program not only equips students with the tools to excel academically but also readies them to be adaptable, socially conscious, and entrepreneurial contributors in an ever-changing future.

How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

As faculty, our training to deliver this program involves consistent interaction with the community to grasp real-time issues. We attend workshops, engage with experts, and collaborate within our team to refine teaching approaches. Practical application of real-world examples bridges theory and practice. This keeps us attuned to evolving needs and ensures we effectively prepare students for the program's challenges.

How do you tend to build an industry connect with this program?

Building an industry connection for this program involves strategic partnerships. Currently, we have established Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with NGOs aligned with our program's objectives. These NGOs are actively engaged in similar causes, fostering a direct bridge between academia and industry. Through these partnerships, we gain insights into industry trends, real-world challenges, and best practices. Additionally, guest lectures, workshops, and collaborative projects with industry professionals are organized. These interactions enrich students' understanding and provide them with exposure to practical applications. Such collaborations ensure that our program remains relevant, innovative, and aligned with industry needs.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program in your curriculum?

Incorporating this program into our curriculum presented a few challenges. Initially, garnering support from the community was a hurdle. Convincing stakeholders of the program's benefits and securing their participation required dedicated efforts. Additionally, generating students' interest posed a challenge. Convincing them of the program's relevance and potential impact required effective communication and engagement strategies. However, through consistent outreach, showcasing success stories, and highlighting the program's practical value, we were able to address these challenges and foster community and student engagement.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

Through this program, students are engaged in a diverse range of projects that address various real-world challenges. Some examples include the development of a Portable Paddy Dryer to enhance post-harvest processes, creating Crop Protection Technology to minimize agricultural losses, and designing an AI-based Weed Removal Robotic Arm for efficient and sustainable farming practices. These projects reflect the program's focus on innovation, sustainable development, and the practical application of design thinking principles to address pressing issues in agriculture and related fields.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

The course offers significant benefits to students. Notably, one standout advantage is the opportunity for students to directly register their innovative solutions as startups. If their ideas are well-suited to address real-world problems, they can take their concepts from the classroom to the market, establishing entrepreneurial ventures. This hands-on experience not only cultivates entrepreneurship skills but also offers a practical pathway to create meaningful impact. Additionally, the course enhances problem-solving abilities, design thinking skills, and community engagement expertise. As for career options, graduates can pursue roles in social entrepreneurship, sustainable development, innovation consulting, and community engagement, among others. The program equips students with a skill set that is highly valued in various sectors, opening doors to diverse and impactful career paths.