With a vision of "National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical system (NMICPS)", iHUB AWaDH, IIT Ropar established the India's first AWaDH Tinkering Laboratories (ATL) in Tula's International schools, Dehradun Uttarakhand. The objective of this scheme is to foster curiosity, creativity, and imagination in young minds; and inculcate scientific temper and skills such as design mindset, computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing etc. ATL is a workspace where young minds can give shape to their ideas through hands on do-it-yourself mode; and learn innovation skills. Young Studens will get a chance to work with tools and equipment to understand the concepts of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). ATL would contain educational and learning 'do it yourself' kits and equipment on-science, electronics, robotics. The ATL will be conduct different activities like project competition, ideathon and hackathon ranging from regional and national level competitions and workshops on problem solving, designing and fabrication of products.
ATL Objectives
Inspiring Innovation Hubs: Cultivating dynamic workspaces where young minds ignite their creativity, transform ideas into reality through hands-on experiences, and thrive in a flexible , collaborative environment.
Empowering Future Leaders: Equipping our youth with essential 21st-century skills-creativity, innovation, critical thinking, design thinking, ethical leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration-to shape a smarter, more connected world.
Building a Smarter India: Nurturing innovative solutions tailored to India's unique challenges, driving the nation's growth as a powerhouse of knowledge, ideas, and technological excellence.
Representative form iHUB AWaDH, IIT Ropar
Dr. Mukesh Kestwal
Mr. Deshraj
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Dr. Mukesh Kestwal
Mr. Deshraj
Dr. Mukesh Kestwal (CIO , iHUB AWaDH, IIT Ropar)
Dr. Kestwal is a tech enthusiast and innovator with a 12 years journey in the research, innovation and Startup ecosystem, specializing in policy navigation and impactful initiatives. Currently serving as CIO at the IIT Ropar Technology Innovation Hub, driving change with a 110Cr fund from DST and 20Cr+ from Startup India/NIDHISSS/GENESIS for Deep-tech startups. Dr Kestwal played pivotal roles in various committee including various AICs for Startup India Seed Fund committee, DCC for DOT, Advisor for Startups (R2E) and many other.
Some Key Achievements of Dr. Kestwal
Having a portfolio with 15 IPs, spanning patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs.
250+ citations for my research work, with a paper boasting 18k+ views and 1.8k+ downloads.
Facilitated over 30 Innovation Challenges and conducted 650+ sessions for startups and enablers.
Delivered 60+ keynote speeches, including prestigious platforms such as UGC, IIT Delhi, Startup Mahakumbh, etc
Established partnerships with 25+ Hubs, 50+ incubators, and 100+ organizations, totaling 300+
Secured 21Cr+ through Startup India, DST NIDHI, MeitY GENESIS, HDFC and built a portfolio of 1300Cr+ valuation for IIT Ropar AWaDH, where also have led investment of 15Cr
Contributed to projects exceeding 230Cr for various organizations, hubs, and AICs/TBIs.
As a founding member of initiatives like Startup September, SAMRIDHI, SPRINT, WATER, AVNI, DISA, and others, I bring a wealth of experience to the table.
