Innovation in modern education extends far beyond traditional classroom teaching. Today, experiential learning approaches such as hands-on training programs play a crucial role in nurturing creativity, problem-solving abilities, and technical competence among students. Hands-on training is an essential component of technical education that enables students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations. It enhances skill development, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. In the field of Food Technology, practical exposure is particularly important as it helps students understand processing techniques, quality control, food safety, and product development. The hands-on training activity was organized with the objective of providing experiential learning and bridging the gap between classroom teaching and industrial practices. At School of Food Technology, B.Tech (Food Technology) final year students are allotted in 21 groups of 5-6 students with mentors to conduct this activity. The training program consists of developing new food products, including raw material selection, processing, packaging, and evaluation and marketing. Additionally, students publish research papers based on the developed products. Such initiatives help in transforming academic institutions into hubs of research, development, and entrepreneurship. An important outcome of such innovation-driven activities is the generation of novel ideas that can be protected through patents. Intellectual property rights empower students and researchers to safeguard their inventions and encourage them to pursue original work.
Hackathons provide a dynamic platform where learners collaborate intensively over a short period to generate innovative solutions to real-world problems. These events encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and time management, while also exposing participants to industry-relevant challenges. Internal Hackathon for Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 held on 15th & 16th September 2025 across multiple venues on our campus. This mega innovation festival witnessed the participation of 785 teams comprising nearly 4000 students, with 40% female representation and 80% multidisciplinary collaborations across the University. School of Food Technology students also participated and got shortlisted. 9 teams from MIT ADT University (top in private university) were selected for the SIH-2025 Grand Finale. Following mentoring rounds and interactions with industry experts, all 9 teams represented the University at the Grand Finale and 5 teams emerged as Winners at the National Level, bringing immense recognition to the University.
Awards and rewards play a significant role in motivating students and encouraging active participation in extracurricular and co-curricular activities. In School of Food Technology, sports, cultural, and technical events provide a platform for students to showcase their talents, develop skills, and gain confidence beyond academic performance. Recognizing and rewarding achievements in these areas fosters a sense of accomplishment and inspires students to strive for excellence. Sports events are essential for promoting physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, and leadership qualities among students. Competitions such as athletics, indoor and outdoor games, and intercollegiate tournaments encourage students to maintain a healthy lifestyle while developing competitive spirit. Students received many awards in various sports such as cricket, volleyball, rowing, Kho-Kho and table tennis including trophies, medals, and certificates. These rewards not only boost morale but also motivate other students to participate actively. Cultural events, on the other hand, provide a platform for creative expression and help in preserving cultural heritage. Activities such as dance, music, drama, art, and literary competitions allow students to explore their artistic talents and build confidence. Awards and rewards in cultural events recognize creativity, originality, and performance quality. Students participate in various such events.
Technical events are equally important in shaping the intellectual and professional growth of students. Activities such as competitions, paper presentations, hackathons, coding contests, and innovation challenges during World Food Day celebration, PERSONA fest provide opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. Awards in technical events often include certificates, cash prizes, internships, or incubation support. These rewards encourage innovation, research, and problem-solving skills. Recognizing technical excellence not only motivates students but also contributes to building a strong academic and research culture within the institution.
In conclusion, hackathons, patents, awards, rewards, and hands-on training collectively contribute to building a robust innovation culture in education. They not only enhance technical knowledge and practical skills but also foster creativity, confidence, and a spirit of inquiry among students. By embracing these elements, educational institutions can prepare future professionals who are capable of addressing real-world challenges and contributing meaningfully to society.
