To nurture creativity and innovation, students from the University of Kashmir’s (KU) Design Your Degree (DYD) program recently participated in a week-long Design Thinking Boot Camp organized by the Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC) at Delhi University.

The event, under the aegis of the Design Innovation Centre, brought together participants from various North Indian universities offering the DYD program. 

The boot camp focused on cultivating problem-solving skills through structured frameworks, covering topics like problem identification, stakeholder mapping, ideation, and pitching innovative solutions.

Accompanied by the program coordinator, the students from the varsity actively participated in all activities, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. 

Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, commended the students' involvement, stating, "We are immensely proud of our students for their active engagement in this innovative program. Such hands-on learning experiences not only align with the objectives of the NEP 2020 but also equip students to tackle real-world challenges with innovative solutions." 

During the camp, students worked on designing practical solutions, including all-terrain transportation models, empathized with user needs, and refined their problem-solving skills. The event culminated in elevator-pitch-style presentations, where students showcased their ideas to investors and received feedback. 

Underscoring the significance of such camps Director IOT Zakura Campus and Chairman Institution Innovation Council ( IIC) KU Prof Tariq Banday said  "Hands-on training is the foundation of real-world learning for DYD students, transforming knowledge into skill and theory into confidence. It equips them with the tools not just to understand but to create, adapt, and lead in their chosen fields."

Coordinator DYD Program KU, Prof. Syeda Afshana who was accompanying the students said, "The sessions on ideation and problem-solving, combined with collaborative learning, have instilled confidence and creative thinking in students. Such exposure is essential for preparing future-ready individuals."