CHENNAI: Students of B.E./B.Tech programmes all over the country now have an opportunity to participate in a national-level design contest on innovative concepts that can be made workable prototypes. The students can design any innovative system under the broad categories such as mobility devices for the aged/disabled; safe drinking water appliances; protective all-weather gear for policemen; solid state lighting devices for rural students/housewives; renewable energy sources for rural applications; mobile low cost and site assembled shelters for disaster-affected areas; or low cost home appliances that can ease the daily chores or household water disposal systems.

These are only suggested areas, though participants can come up with any concept in related areas too.

Big gap

The organising secretary of the contest, K. Chandrasekaran, who is also Dean of RMK Engineering College, Chennai, seeks to know as to why there is a big gap between ideas and the engineering products that work, despite the creative talents and engineering skills available in the country. "Also, why is it that with our technology, managerial know-how and invested capacity, we are unable to make even a minor contribution to the problem of global poverty? ... obviously there are deficiencies in nurturing innovation and creativity amongst our highly talented and capable students, to turn them for productive use."

No act of charity

Coming out with very innovative products and services to cater to the needs of the people in the bottom of the period is not an act of charity, but a good business proposition, he contends.

The central theme of the contest is to come out with solutions to problems faced by the common man at affordable cost.

Dr. Chandrasekaran says the contest was part of the efforts to promote the India chapter of the "product development and management association" (PDMA), a global organisation that promotes innovation and new product development by enlisting support of students, academics and industry people.

The best student innovation concept will win Rs.1 lakh (sponsored by Lucas TVS), the second best Rs. 50,000, the third Rs.25,000 and five consolation prizes of Rs.10,000 each.

The last date for sending in entries is December 31.

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