Genesis
About the Initiative
Launched by the Department of Higher Studies, Ministry of Education, in March 2014, the National Initiative for Design Innovation (NIDI) is dedicated to igniting and sustaining a vibrant culture of innovation throughout India.
We've established 20 Design Innovation Centers (DICs) within elite government institutions, creating dynamic ecosystems where ideas flourish. Through strategic programs, we empower individuals by disseminating crucial knowledge, providing essential resources, and offering financial and patenting assistance to transform ingenious concepts into tangible, impactful solutions for society.
Impact in Numbers
Our initiative translates into tangible results, driving entrepreneurial and academic growth nationwide.
50+
Start-ups Supported
2000+
Innovative Products
250+
Patents Filed
20
Design Innovation Centers
Our Core Objectives
A multi-faceted approach to build a comprehensive ecosystem for innovation, from education to enterprise.
Foster Innovation Culture
To cultivate a robust culture of innovation and design, enhancing problem-solving capabilities.
Connect Academia & Industry
To establish synergistic relationships between businesses and leading research & government institutions.
Commercialize Student Designs
To provide a vital platform enabling students to successfully commercialize their innovative designs.
Support IP & Patents
To assist in patent acquisition, safeguarding Intellectual Property Rights, and securing operational financing.
Streamline Market Access
To facilitate and simplify the journey for students to bring their innovations and designs to market.
Promote Inclusive Innovation
To drive interdisciplinary design education, research, and entrepreneurial activities.
Replicate & Expand Programs
To expedite the replication and expansion of NIDI programs in other educational institutions nationwide.
Build Community Chains
To create interconnected programs that encompass both the business community and individual creators.
Foster Startup Inclusivity
To champion inclusivity within innovation, particularly in the development of start-up models.
Design Innovation Centers (DICs)
Twenty Design Innovation Centers (DICs) have been strategically established in premier educational institutions across the nation. These centers are the bedrock of NIDI's mission, primarily focusing on cutting-edge Research and Development and actively assisting the innovation process.
- Hubs for Innovation: DICs serve as vital platforms, connecting emerging innovators with experienced mentors and leveraging institutional resources.
- Incubator Role: They actively promote and refine ideas from students and citizens, simultaneously acting as incubator centers for nascent startups.
- Knowledge Dissemination: National conferences, notably 'ABHIKALPANA', are regularly conducted to foster the widespread dissemination of design innovation insights.
- Inclusive Pedagogy: DICs integrate innovators, NGOs, and financiers, and organize workshops and seminars to stimulate diverse and inclusive educational approaches.
Open Design School (ODS)
The Open Design School is a transformative initiative under NIDI, expertly combining practical, hands-on knowledge with rigorous theoretical expertise. Its unique structure provides attendees with invaluable ground-level experience, meticulously preparing them for the real-life application of their designs.
- Blended Learning Model: Learning is structured with 30% facilitated through MOOCs and 70% dedicated to practical project work, guided by expert mentors.
- Accessibility & Affordability: ODS is self-paced, with nominal costs, and fully accessible online through the SWAYAM and NPTEL portals.
- Enhanced Inclusivity: This model actively encourages broader participation and ensures greater inclusivity for individuals facing social and economic constraints.
- Networking & Feedback: The ODS provides crucial feedback and enables robust networking opportunities between budding start-up founders and prospective funders.
National Design Innovation Network (NDIN)
The National Design Innovation Network (NDIN) is a pivotal program under NIDI, meticulously designed to establish a comprehensive, interconnected network. This network links the Open Design School, various industry enterprises, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the Ministry.
- Global Collaboration: The primary objective is to foster involvement in global collaboration and networking, significantly increasing access to design innovation.
- Integrated Ecosystem: It seamlessly links all integral aspects of NIDI – the DICs, the ODSs, and other programs – to facilitate efficient information and idea exchange.
- Future Vision: The forthcoming plan is to evolve into the National Knowledge Network, a comprehensive platform for interdisciplinary academic development.
- Inclusive Innovation: At Navaashay, every programme is a step toward inclusive innovation, shaping futures through design-led thinking.
Programme Highlights
Our commitment translates into tangible results, driving educational and entrepreneurial growth across academic and community settings.
973
School Students Trained
1,831
Graduates Empowered
20
Workshops Conducted
4
Strategic Projects
3,892
Hours of Engagement