AICTE IDEA Lab, Panjab University Organises Three-Day Workshop and 24-Hour SPARC-Sponsored Black Box Hackathon

Chandigarh, September 21, 2026: The AICTE IDEA Lab, University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), Panjab University, Chandigarh, is organising a three-day workshop on AI, PCB Designing and 3D Designing & Printing along with a 24-hour SPARC-sponsored Black Box Hackathon from 19–21 September.
The workshop has attracted 51 participants, while 26 teams from across the Chandigarh Tricity region, with four members each, are participating in the hackathon. Based on the theme “Engineering Forensics”, the hackathon challenges participants to investigate engineering problems and develop innovative, technology-driven solutions within a 24-hour development environment. The six problem statements cover Industrial IoT using STM32, location-aware remote content management, AI-based embedded firmware testing, predictive maintenance of industrial motors, AI-powered data analytics and jet engine assembly CAD design.
The event focuses on engineering design, problem-solving, system integration, rapid prototyping, technical documentation and innovation. The programme is being coordinated by Dr. Gaurav Sapra, Coordinator, AICTE IDEA Lab and Prof. Rajesh Kumar, Co-Coordinator, AICTE IDEA Lab, UIET, Panjab University.
The event is being graced by Prof. Mohsen Rahmani, Distinguished Professor, School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University (NTU), Nottingham, UK, as Chief Guest. The valedictory session will also coincide with the inauguration of the AICTE IDEA Lab at Lab 414, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, UIET, by Prof. Mohsen Rahmani in the august presence of Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, Honourable Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University, Prof. Ganga Ram Chaudhary, Coordinator, RUSA and Prof. Sukhwinder Singh, Director, UIET.
The AICTE IDEA Lab is equipped with GPIO modules, quadcopter assembly kits, soldering and desoldering stations, computer workstations, variable power supplies, microcontrollers, ESP32 and STM32 development boards, oscilloscopes, multimeters, digital force gauges, an ultrasonic bath sonicator and a magnetic stirrer, providing students with a hands-on environment for innovation, prototyping and experiential learning.
The initiative reflects the commitment of AICTE IDEA Lab, UIET, Panjab University towards fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning and industry-relevant technical skills, enabling students to transform ideas into practical engineering solutions.