School of Design Thinking and Intellect’s ‘1st National Conclave on Design Thinking for Academic Leaders’ Propels ‘Talent 2040’ Agenda

AICTE Chairman Prof. (Dr.) T G Sitharam delivered a Keynote address at the First National Conclave on Design Thinking, and the event brought over 250 Academic representatives of Management, Engineering, Technology, Arts, Sciences, Architecture, and Humanities under one roof

Launched the Academia NxT – the Definitive Partner Program for Academic Institutions to comprehensively leverage Design Thinking by first focusing on Mindset Transformation

Announced the first ‘Design Thinking Impact Awards’ to recognise some of the Adopters of Design Thinking in the Academic and Startup Fraternity

The forum advances the key theme ‘Talent 2040’ by emphasising curating contextual curriculum to make students’ future leaders
Chennai, March 27, 2024: In today’s ever-changing landscape, every sector is experiencing dynamic shifts, and academia is no exception. Design Thinking, an innovative problem-solving approach, has emerged as a potent tool for unlocking new opportunities for innovation by focusing on customer needs and preferences. By adopting the first principles of Design Thinking, the academic sector is shifting from traditional teaching methods to a more learner-centric approach emphasising learning enhancement. This approach involves curating a contextual curriculum tailored to the learners’ needs and aspirations, preparing them to become future leaders.

To reinforce holistic transformation in academia, School of Design Thinking (SoDT) and Intellect hosted the ‘1st National Conclave on Design Thinking for Academic Leaders’ at 8012 FinTech Design Center (the World’s first Transformation Center dedicated to Design Thinking Principles) in Chennai on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. The main agenda of the Conclave centered around a pertinent theme, ‘Talent 2040’, to prepare students to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The dream of ‘Talent 2040’ focused on transforming academic institutions to align with the changing needs of the future. To make this dream a reality, the key stakeholders, including the academic institutions, faculty, and students, must work together to achieve this transformation. The ideal combination would involve an inspired institution equipped with motivated faculty members guiding a group of enthusiastic students. The first principles of Design Thinking would shift the mental model and facilitate this transformation towards a more innovative and productive future.
Prof. (Dr.) T G Sitharam, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), delivered the keynote address at the Conclave. Arun Jain, CMD of Intellect and Founder of the School of Design Thinking anchored a ‘Masterclass’ on “Leveraging Design Thinking® for Exponential  Growth of Academic Institutions”. The event also hosted a Panel Discussion and Fireside Chat with eminent speakers.

The Conclave witnessed the launch of the Academia NxT Partner Program, which provides an opportunity to shift the mental model of students and faculties – leading to learning excellence and talent development. The partnership provides the higher education institutions an avenue to create a culture of Design Thinking on campus through various contextual and composable initiatives. The mission of this partner program is to empower the senior management of the Partner Institutions to embark on a culture of Exponential Growth of the Institution using Design Thinking as a mindset. It is also designed to help faculty experience the power of Design The Thinking®️ , which would help them in their individual roles and play a role in the institution’s growth.
In addition, the first ‘Design Thinking Impact Awards’ were announced under five categories to recognise some of the Adopters of Design Thinking in the Startup and Academic Fraternity. The winners of the Inaugural Edition are:

SRM Institute of Science and Technology for Campus Ecosystem Design for Innovation

Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology for Future Skills Design Framework

Startup TN for Futuristic Policy & Governance Design

Indian Institute of Management-Calcutta for Social Outreach Curriculum Design

Sairam Institutions for Holistic Entrepreneurship & Innovation Design
During his Keynote address, Prof. (Dr.) T G Sitharam, Chairman of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), said, “We are currently in an era where innovation and entrepreneurship are highly valued, and India is leading the way in innovation and entrepreneurship. At AICTE, we foster promoting Design Thinking among technical institutions in India to create a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Aligning on those lines, the ‘1st National Conclave on Design Thinking for Academic Leaders’ provides participants with professional development, strategic insights, and impactful solutions to challenges.