Outline for the Center of Excellence on Additive Manufacturing (CoE-AM)
A Center of Excellence (CoE) in Additive Manufacturing
This transformative initiative is being spearheaded by Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College (AKGEC), Ghaziabad, in collaboration with key industry and academic partners. The CoE aims to revolutionize manufacturing processes, foster innovation, and drive entrepreneurship in the field of Additive Manufacturing (AM).
Key Objectives
- Support Startups: Facilitate 100 startups over five years through mentorship, infrastructure, and prototyping services.
- Digital Transformation: Advance India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives by encouraging domestic manufacturing using AM technologies.
- Research & Innovation: Promote research in AM applications for polymers, composites, biomaterials, and metal alloys.
- Skill Development: Bridge industry-academia gaps through training programs, entrepreneurship development, and collaborations.
Infrastructure and Support
World-Class Facilities:
- Dedicated space at AKGEC, Ghaziabad, for housing AM-focused startups.
- Cutting-edge equipment, including hybrid AM machines, metal 3D printers, and bio-printers.
Technology Access:
- Advanced tools for AM applications, such as carbon fiber printers and vacuum casting machines.
- Access to AM software and digital manufacturing platforms.
Funding and Support:
- ₹20 Cr project outlay, with contributions from DoIT, AKGEC, and industry partners.
- Financial assistance and consultancy for startups to adopt AM technologies.
Mentorship:
- Guidance from industry leaders, academia, and the AKG Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Key Features
- Startup Creation: Support for 100 startups over five years, including prototyping and commercialization guidance.
- Capacity Building: Training programs aimed at empowering 690 individuals, including students and faculty, in AM technologies.
- Research Outputs: Target of 75 research publications and 20 patents over five years.
- Industry Collaboration: Engagement with industry leaders to foster innovation and promote AM adoption.
- Entrepreneurship Programs: Hosting 64 entrepreneurship development programs (EDPs) and 50 strategic MoUs with global and national partners.
Impact and Outcomes
- Startups: Creation of a robust AM ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
- Innovation: Solutions addressing socio-economic challenges and MSME needs through cost-effective AM technologies.
- Awareness: Reaching over 1,000 professionals through workshops, webinars, and training programs.
- Global Reach: Establishing connections with international AM networks for knowledge exchange and commercialization.
- Sustainability: Long-term support for alumni startups to ensure continued growth.
Leadership and Expertise
The CoE is governed by a distinguished board comprising experts from academia, industry, and the AM community. The AKG Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship drives strategic decision-making and ensures operational excellence.
This Center of Excellence on Additive Manufacturing promises to revolutionize manufacturing practices in India by fostering innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship at a global scale.