Innovative Methods, Projects and Community Technologies (IMPaCT) Lab
“If you look at history, innovation doesn’t come just from giving people incentives; it comes from creating environments where their ideas can connect” – Steven Johnson
Keeping this precept in mind, the Department of Electronics has established the IMPaCT Lab where creativity, innovation and social mindedness can flourish. The Department of Electronics, which runs a BTech program in Electronics and Communication Engineering, a BTech program in Robotics and Automation, and an MTech program in Wireless Technologies, is the ideal environment where multidisciplinary technologies can flourish and innovations can be used to accelerate social good.
“The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” Thomas Edison. The IMPaCT Lab provides a space for like-minded students, faculty, and staff members to gather to dream up, implement and test their ideas.
The IMPaCT Lab is much more than a physical space with state-of-the-art facilities. Rather it is a concept that can be carried out of the constraints of physical boundaries and get ingrained into the daily lives of those involved.
In addition to creating an impact on those directly involved, the IMPaCT Lab also strives to focus on methods, projects, products and services that are beneficial to society.
The Department has a two-pronged approach to the development of its stakeholders through its Skill Planning and AcquistioN Cell SPAN along with the IMPaCT Lab. These two ventures strive to hand in hand to develop technologies and services beneficial to our community.
Objectives
- To sustain a forum that nurtures creativity through regular discussions and brainstorming
- To provide physical space and facilities to bring ideas to implementation
- To facilitate fruitful innovation through mentoring
- To transform students, faculty, and staff members into socially minded people by focussing on innovations that create a beneficial impact on society.
Focus Areas
The focus areas of the IMPaCT Lab include innovations in embedded systems, IoT and other communication technologies and image processing and vision-based techniques to support agriculture, weather and disaster management, medical electronic devices, use of robotics and automation technologies to improve the quality of life of members of our society among others.
IMPaCT Lab report – EVEN SEMESTER (2024-2025)
Underwater ROV Inspection Challenge
Team HydroX, comprising Sreehari Nandanan, Kurias Tenson, Joel Antony, Alan K. S. and Kaliraj of S4 ECE, secured First Prize in the Underwater ROV Inspection Challenge held as part of SYMPOL 2025 on 10th December 2025at CUSAT. The multi-stage competition tested participants on underwater robotics concepts and remote ROV piloting skills. Team HydroX excelled in the final inspection mission, showcasing outstanding teamwork and technical proficiency. The team was awarded a cash prize of ₹7,000 along with certificates, bringing laurels to the department.
Second Prize at HackEarth Hackathon
A team of students – Sreehari Nandanan, Evelyn Reni Brigit, Sreelakshmi P. G., and Maria Shynu of Semester 4 ECE) secured Second Prize at HackEarth, a two-day hackathon conducted by Boomithrasena in collaboration with Excel 2025, held at Government Model Engineering College, Thrikkakara, on 10–11 January 2026.
LAUNCHPAD Startup Sprint
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Cell organized “Launchpad”, a one-day startup sprint exclusively for first-year students to introduce them to the basics of entrepreneurship. The Second Prize in the team-based startup challenge was won by Team CrashBug of Semester 2 Robotics and Automation comprising Jarudh KJ, Arvin Rosh Mathew, Mohd Fatheen M, and Mohd Nazim K A for their innovative idea and effective presentation.
First Prize in Tech Traverse Project Expo 2026
The team comprising Sreehari Nandan, Kurias Tenson, Evelyn Reni Brigit, and Sreelakshmi P. G. (Semester 4 ECE) secured First Prize in the Tech Traverse Project Expo held at Viswajyothi College of Engineering and Technology on 23 February 2026. The award-winning project, titled “APM UAVs: Autonomous Pollution Monitoring Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Solutions,” focuses on developing UAV-based systems for monitoring environmental pollution efficiently.
TinkerHub Maker of the Month
TinkerHub recognized Mr. Sreehari Nandan (S4 ECE) as the “Maker of the Month” in appreciation of his passion for drone technology, innovation, and continuous experimentation. Through active involvement in building, testing, and exploring drone-based ideas, he has demonstrated creativity, dedication, and a strong hands-on learning approach
Patent
Dr. S. Perumal Sankar, Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering and Dean (PG), has achieved the publication of an Indian Patent (Application No. 202641042475 A). The patent, titled “A Smart Adaptive Vibration Monitoring and Control System for Industrial Machinery Using Hybrid Sensor Fusion and Real-Time Feedback Optimization,” was filed on April 2, 2026, and published on April 17, 2026.
NPTEL Discipline Star Recognition
Dr. Georgina Binoy Joseph, Associate Professor, Department of Robotics and Automation, has been recognized as NPTEL Discipline Star in Mechanical Engineering by NPTEL.
Faculty Industrial Visit to FANUC
The faculty members of the Department of Robotics and Automation and Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering visited FANUC India on 26 May 2026 as part of an industrial exposure initiative. The visit provided valuable insights into industrial automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies. The faculty interacted with industry experts and explored various automation systems and robotic applications, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and current industrial practices. The visit also opened opportunities for future academic and industry collaborations.
Alumni Achievements
- HEXAEDLINE Solutions LLP, registered as a start-up company under Kerala Start-up Mission, Govt of Kerala, founded by alumni Issac Joy (2020-24 ECE) and Rajesh V. (2020- 24 RA) batch, has been officially recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India. The company operates in the Robotics industry, focusing on innovative solutions in the Robotics Application sector.
- CODX Systems, a start-up registered under the Kerala Start-up Mission, Government of Kerala, founded by distinguished alumni Akshay Kannan and Noble Jacob (RA 2020–2024 batch), has been officially recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India. The company operates in the robotics industry, focusing on innovative solutions in robotics applications.
- Ms. Alikha Balan, an alumnus of the Robotics and Automation (Robotics and Automation) 2021–2025 batch, has secured a prestigious position as Management Trainee (Robotics) at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Defence and a Schedule ‘B’ Mini Ratna Category-I company. Her achievement reflects the academic excellence, technical competence, and industry-oriented training imparted by the institution.
IMPaCT Lab conducted the following competitions for students of BTech Electronics and Communication Engineering and BTech Robotics and Automation
Python Team Challenge for 1st Semester B.Tech Students
The Skill Planning and Acquisition Cell (SPAN) and IMPaCT Lab conducted a Python Team Challenge competition for first Semester BTech Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) and first Semester BTech Robotics and Automation students on December 1, 2025. The competition tested students’ proficiency in Python programming, while fostering teamwork and enhancing their technical skills, requiring solutions to real world problems in their respective domains. The winners are:
PROJECT EXPOS @ TIST
IMPaCT Lab organized various Project Expos to showcase the technical and innovative skills of the students of the BTech program in Electronics and Communication Engineering and BTech program in Robotics and Automation.
ElectroGenesis 2026
Project Expo in Electronic Circuits for students of Second Semester BTech ECE and BTech Robotics and Automation was conducted on 24.3.2026.
IoT Ignite: Embedded Excellence 2025
Project Expo under the theme IoT and Embedded Systems focussing on real world problems for students of Fourth Semester BTech ECE and BTech Robotics and Automation was conducted on 24.3.2026.
Electrobotics 2025
Students of S6 Electronics and Communication Engineering and S6 Robotics and Automation showcased their mini projects on 24.3.2026.
ElectroYantra Innovation Expo 2025
Students of S8 Electronics and Communication Engineering and S8 Robotics and Automation showcased their major projects on 24.3.2026.
SOCIAL OUTREACH PROGRAMME
The Project Expo conducted on 24.3.2026 was attended by students from 5 schools including one special school. The objective was to promote awareness of Science, Engineering and Technology domains. The expo was well received by the students and faculty from these schools.
