Design School of DOT organizes IDEA'25, inaugural student-driven design conference in South India.
In the heart of Ambattur, Chennai, the DOT School of Design hosted IDEA'25, a groundbreaking event that brought together students, industry leaders, and design enthusiasts. This three-day conference, South India's first student-led design event, was envisioned by Mr. Rizvi Manzavalli, Head of Department, Industrial Design, as a movement to showcase student potential and bridge the gap between academia and industry.
The theme of Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship, and Academics (IDEA) was chosen to reflect the diverse yet interconnected aspects of design education. IDEA'25 featured a myriad of exhibits, including 25 new product displays, 50 design process exhibits, and 20 novel business model pitches.
One of the highlights of the event was the Design Sprint, which allowed students to engage in rapid ideation and execution, giving them firsthand experience in tackling real-world design challenges. This hands-on approach to learning was a testament to the students' creativity and their ability to transform concepts into tangible solutions.
Notable projects such as Thoolisai, Origamat for Kids, and sustainable fashion innovations garnered attention from industry professionals. These projects showcased the students' innovative thinking and their commitment to creating solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also socially and environmentally responsible.
For advanced learners, the Master of Design (M.DES) program provides expertise in Interior and Furniture Design, Industrial Design, and Communication Design. Meanwhile, DOT School of Design offers Bachelor of Design (B.DES) specializations in Fashion, Industrial, Communication, and Interior design, equipping students with industry-ready skills.
Events like IDEA'25 are a testament to DOT School of Design's commitment to providing students with platforms that prepare them for the dynamic world of design and entrepreneurship. In addition, StartupTN, an entrepreneurship facilitation wing of the Government of Tamil Nadu, announced the setup of a pre-incubation center at DOT's premises in Ambattur.
The pre-incubator center, set up by Mr. Arvindh Palanivel, the founder of the presented center, aims to provide a nurturing environment for budding entrepreneurs. Business pitch sessions at IDEA'25 helped students step into the entrepreneurial mindset, where they had to think about scalability, market positioning, and value creation.
The event included panel discussions, interactive masterclasses, and a Design Sprint. One of the highlights was the Become HQ session on job opportunities and discussions on integrating AI into design workflows.
IDEA'25 was designed to kindle student curiosity, encourage them to think beyond the classroom, and push the boundaries of design innovation. AR R Raammnath, Chairman of DOT School of Design, commented that the goal is to create a learning environment where students can apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.
As the sun set on the final day of IDEA'25, it was clear that the event had left a lasting impression. The energy, creativity, and passion displayed by the students were a testament to the future of design in South India. IDEA'25 undoubtedly marked a significant step towards bridging the gap between academia and industry, and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth.
