IEDC Young Innovators Programme

The YIP is an initiative under the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), aimed at fostering creativity and innovation among students. Our college has been actively participating in this programme, engaging students in idea development and submission. We has demonstrated consistent involvement in YIP across multiple academic years, with dedicated mentors and facilitators guiding students through the innovation process.

YIP 2021-2022 (YIP 4.0)

Despite a promising start, no ideas progressed to the second round or received prizes. However, the institution took active steps in internal training programs to enhance student engagement.

YIP 2022-2023 (YIP 5.0)
Institution Head: Shamnad MS (Principal, retired), followed by Parvathy Bhaskar (Principal in charge)
Facilitators and Mentors: 4 (Ratheesh Kumar R, Rakshmy C S, Reena S, and Aswathy S Nair)
Training Programs Conducted: 1
Trainer: YIP staff (Orientation under National Service Scheme)
Students Registered: 59
Ideas Submitted: 7
Ideas Selected for Second Round: 5
Ideas Selected for Prizes: None
This year showed improvement, with a significant number of ideas (5) advancing to the second round, indicating better engagement and refinement of student projects.

YIP 2023-2024 (YIP 6.0)
Institution Head: Leena Mary John (Principal)
Facilitators and Mentors: 4 (Ratheesh Kumar R, Reena S, Yamuna T Moorthy, and Arun T Pillai)
Training Programs Conducted: 1
Trainer: YIP staff (Orientation)
Activities Conducted:
Brainstorming for idea formation
YIP pre-registration
Group formation and Idea submission
Pitch Deck PPT preparation and Discussions
Students Registered: 91
Ideas Submitted: 5
Ideas Selected for Second Round/Prizes: None
The number of student registrations increased significantly, indicating growing interest in YIP. However, despite active participation, no ideas progressed beyond the initial submission phase.

YIP 2024-2025 (YIP 7.0)
Institution Head: Leena Mary John (Principal)
Facilitators and Mentors: 4 (Ratheesh Kumar R, Jomy Susan Ipe, and Arun T Pillai)
Training Programs Conducted: 1
Trainer: YIP staff (Orientation)
Activities Conducted:
Brainstorming for idea formation
YIP pre-registration
Group formation
Idea submission
Pitch Deck PPT preparation
Discussions
Students Registered: 66
Ideas Submitted: 13 (Evaluation in Progress)
This academic year has seen an increased number of ideas submitted (13), with the evaluation process still underway. This suggests a continued upward trend in student engagement and creativity.

Innovation and Creativity at GPC Nedumangad:
YIP-YIC-IEDC combine and Idea Contests

Government Polytechnic College, Nedumangad, has been actively promoting innovation and creativity among students through the Young Innovators Programme (YIP) under the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC). To further encourage idea generation and entrepreneurial thinking, the institution launched its own Idea Contest under YIP club (YIC) and Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Cell (IEDC) combine, which has successfully engaged students in innovative problem-solving.

Idea Contest 1.0 (2023-2024)
Recognizing the need to cultivate innovation at the grassroots level, GPC Nedumangad conducted Idea Contest 1.0 during the 2023-2024 academic year. The event provided students with a platform to showcase their creative and technological ideas.
Ideas Submitted: 55
Prizes Distributed: Yes
This first edition of the contest witnessed an overwhelming response, with 55 ideas submitted. The competition encouraged students to think critically and present solutions to real-world challenges. Selected ideas were recognized and awarded, boosting students’ confidence and motivation to innovate.

Idea Contest 2.0 (2024-2025)
Building on the success of the previous year, Idea Contest 2.0 was organized in the 2024-2025 academic year to further stimulate innovation and creativity.
Ideas Submitted: 42
Prizes Distributed: Yes
Though the number of ideas submitted was slightly lower than the previous year, the contest maintained its significance by fostering a competitive and innovative mindset among students. Prizes were distributed to outstanding ideas, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to recognizing and supporting young innovators.

Impact and Significance
The introduction of the Idea Contests has significantly complemented our college’s participation in YIP.
These contests:
Encouraged students to actively engage in innovation.
Provided a structured platform for idea generation and presentation.
Recognized and rewarded outstanding ideas, motivating students.
Strengthened the college’s reputation as an innovation-driven institution.
By conducting both the YIP programs and Idea Contests, GPC Nedumangad is steadily cultivating an ecosystem of creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking among students. With continued efforts, the college is set to make a lasting impact in fostering innovation and contributing to Kerala’s vision of a knowledge-driven economy.

Conclusion:
Government Polytechnic College, Nedumangad, has been an active participant in the Young Innovators Programme (YIP) under K-DISC, fostering innovation among students. Over the years, the institution has strengthened its participation by increasing student registrations, conducting training programs, and refining idea submissions. While there have been fluctuations in idea selection for further rounds, the steady rise in student involvement reflects a promising future for innovation at the college.
With continued mentorship, structured training, and enhanced brainstorming activities, the institution is poised to make a greater impact in the coming years, contributing to Kerala’s vision of fostering young innovators.