Prototyping physical artifacts is a fundamental activity for both product development in industrial and engineering design domains and the development of digital fabrication skills. Prototyping is also essential for human-centric problem-solving in design education. Digital fabrication assists in rapid prototype development through computer-aided design and manufacturing tools. Due to the spread of makerspaces like fabrication laboratories (FabLabs) around the world, the use of digital fabrication tools for prototyping in educational institutes is becoming increasingly common. Studies on the social, environmental, and economic sustainability of digital fabrication have been carried out. However, none of them focus on sustainability and prototyping-based digital fabrication tools or design education.
To bridge this research gap, a conceptual framework for sustainable prototyping based on design thinking model is achieved at HiCET campus through various innovative multidisciplinary environment as follows .
‘Idea-Lab’, is an innovative program initiated by the HiCET is to nurture the creative and entrepreneurial potential in engineering students. It provides a better platform for early-stage exploration of an idea, helping a move from the ideation to the prototype stage. Thus, the Idea-Lab serves as a ‘Technology Incubator’ that aims to support potential ideas with good technological merit. Mentoring is provided to develop a potential product commercially and connect to angel investors.
HiCET IDEA lab is transferring the ideas of young mind for qualitative change in life of fellow citizen. To create a vibrant mentor network for enhancing capabilities of young minds
Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Govt. of India has established ‘MHRD’s Innovation Cell (MIC)’ to systematically foster the culture of Innovation amongst all Higher Education Institutions. MIC has envisioned encouraging creation of ‘Institution’s Innovation Council (IICs)’ across selected HEIs. A network of these IICs will be established to promote innovation in the Institution through multitudinous modes leading to an innovation promotion eco-system in the campuses.
The primary mandate of HiCET – IIC is to encourage, inspire and encourage young students by supporting them to work with new ideas and transform them into prototypes. To organize periodic workshops / seminars / interactions with entrepreneurs, investors, professionals and create a mentor pool for student innovators.

INTEL® Intelligent Systems Lab – HiCET has been setup to enhance the student’s technical skills in order to bridge the gap between industry and academic. This Lab is a unique platform to fine-tune software and core skills of our students and to create numerous certified professionals with competitive skills which are mandatory for industries.
Research and technology development is an integral part of HiCET. The faculty can incorporate the learning outcome through this process in their classroom teaching and publishing their work in good international/national journals, patents, and other forms of expression of creative works. The primary objective of seed money is to facilitate further financial support from industry or government funding agencies related to research and consultancy assignments.
At HiCET around 1000’s of students along with 80 faculty members of different stream like ECE, EEE, E&I and Mechatronics will be educated and involved to promote their ideas into prototype through FAB lab.