Naresh Vashisht Centre for Tinkering and Innovation (NVCTI)

The Naresh Vashisht Centre for Tinkering and Innovation (NVCTI) at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad is the institute’s flagship space for innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving. It empowers students to take ideas from concept to prototype, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.

 
Facilities at NVCTI
Mechanical & Rapid Prototyping Unit
  • Equipped with 3D printers, CNC milling and prototyping tools.
  • Enables students to build precise physical models and product enclosures.
Electronics and IoT Unit
  • Houses equipment for PCB design, sensor-based systems, IoT integration, and microcontroller programming.
  • Supports embedded hardware and automation-based projects.
Animation & Game Design Unit
  • Tools like Unity, Blender, and Unreal Engine for AR/VR, simulations, and digital storytelling.
  • Used for developing interactive games and visual content.
Pouch Battery Cell Assembly Unit
  • Facilities for battery cell assembly, testing, and validation.
  • Supports research in e-mobility, renewable energy, and battery storage systems.
 
Student Innovation Schemes
 

 

 

NVCTI also supports structured student growth through dedicated innovation programs:

  • Minor in Product Development: 

1. An academic program where students earn a minor degree by working on real-world products and prototypes.
2. Combines design thinking, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
3. A monthly stipend of approximately ₹6,000 will be provided for a duration of 12 months.

  • In-House Product Development Internship:

1. Hands-on training within NVCTI to work on ongoing or new hardware/software products.
2. Provides mentorship, access to resources, and structured project timelines to convert ideas into viable solutions.

Innovation Awards

NVCTI promotes excellence and creativity through prestigious awards and fellowships for student innovators:

 

  • Srinivasan Padmanabhan Academic Award: 💰 ₹90,000 (approx.) – Recognizes academic excellence with innovation aptitude each year.
  • Smt. Lalitha Srinivasan Innovation & Invention Award: 💰 ₹4,00,000 (approx..) – A top-tier award for impactful and original student-led inventions.
  • Piyush Dutta Innovation and Invention Prize:

 Prize Money:

1st Year: $300
2nd Year: $600
3rd Year: $900
4th Year: $1200

 
Active Student Tech Clubs at NVCTI

NVCTI hosts a dynamic community of student-led technical clubs, each contributing to a specific domain:

 
Smart Manufacturing Club
Electric Mobility Club
Aeronautics and Space Technology Club
Data and Software Technology Club
Robotronics Club
Finance Technology Club
Electronics and IoT Club
Animation and Game Design Club
Product Management Club
Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell)
BIS Club (Bureau of Indian Standards Club)
 
At NVCTI, students can:
  • Build projects from scratch with institutional support
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams
  • Participate in internal hackathons, national contests, and global showcases
  • Incubate startups and scale impactful technologies

NVCTI isn't just a makerspace — it's a launchpad for the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.