Campus Industrial Park (CIP) – A Government-Backed Industry-Academia Collaboration

The Campus Industrial Park (CIP) at Ilahia College of Engineering and Technology (ICET), Muvattupuzha, is part of a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, launched by the Government of Kerala. It offers a new solution to Kerala’s big problem of industrial land scarcity. Government research showed that educational institutions have underutilised land. The CIP model transforms unused campus areas into vibrant industrial spaces, where students can develop innovative skills, gain valuable workplace experience, and contribute to local economic growth, without disrupting regular academic activities.

A Visionary Move by the Government of Kerala

Understanding the growing gap between what students learn in classrooms and what industries truly need, the government unveiled the Campus Industrial Park concept to:

• Create a platform for industry to function within campus premises.

• Provide students with hands-on exposure through internships, part-time jobs, research collaborations, and training.

• Bridge the skill gap by integrating classroom knowledge with practical industry experience.

• Support startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship from within the academic ecosystem.

Opportunities for Students

The CIP model transforms educational institutions into vibrant innovation zones where learning and industry coexist and thrive together. Students can:

• Intern or work part-time with on-campus industries.

• Participate in live research and product development.

• Receive customized industrial training and certifications.

• Develop and test startup ideas with access to industry mentors and infrastructure.

• Build professional networks before graduating.

This innovative strategy tackles the core challenge in higher education—the lack of industry-relevant skills—by making students industry-ready through continuous engagement.

Our Industry Collaborations

🔹 Genrobotics

A globally recognized robotics and AI company, Genrobotics has set up a fully-equipped R&D center inside the ICET Campus. Their work focuses on robotic solutions for social and industrial problems. Students collaborate on real-time projects, gaining exposure to cutting-edge robotics, embedded systems, and automation. The R&D lab, featuring high-end computing systems and testing tools, is also used for workshops and hands-on training programs.

🔹 Axeon – Electric Vehicle Company

Axeon, a forward-thinking EV manufacturer, is collaborating with the college on EV systems, components, and testing. Students from various departments, particularly Electrical and Electronics Engineering, are involved in design, prototyping, and simulation of EV components. Future plans include campus-based assembly units and on-road testing support for upcoming models.

🔹 HiQ – Food Processing Innovation

Discussions are progressing with HiQ, a food processing company working on ‘Ready-to-Eat’ product innovations. The company intends to collaborate with students from Food Technology and other domains on shelf-life studies, smart packaging, and mini-plant automation. This initiative is expected to integrate industrial exposure with entrepreneurship in the food sector.

🔹 FaceIn – Cybersecurity Solutions

FaceIn, a tech startup focused on cybersecurity support tools, is setting up collaborative training and product development sessions for students. The company aims to provide:

• On-Campus Live Projects: Students engage in real-world projects in AI, Cybersecurity, IoT, and App Development, gaining hands-on experience and technical expertise.

• Mentorship by Experts: Industry professionals from FaceIn mentor students through practical work and technological exploration.

• Internship & Career Pathways: Top-performing students are shortlisted for internships and full-time roles, ensuring direct entry into the tech industry.

• Advanced Skill Training: Free in-depth training on current tools and technologies equips students to become future-ready professionals.

• Entrepreneurial Support: A collaborative ecosystem encourages innovation, research, and product development among aspiring student entrepreneurs.

This collaboration enhances awareness and competence in the increasingly critical field of cyber security.

🔹 EEE Alumni Startup – EV Charger Solutions

A team of alumni from the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department has initiated a startup focused on EV charging infrastructure. Discussions are ongoing to integrate the startup into the CIP ecosystem. Planned activities include:

• Design and simulation of various EV charger types (AC/DC, fast/slow chargers).

• Installation of EV chargers at key points on and off-campus.

• Training programs for students in installation, commissioning, and maintenance of EV charging systems.

• Exploration of renewable energy integration for sustainable charging stations.

This effort reflects the spirit of entrepreneurship and alumni engagement, while contributing to Kerala’s EV ecosystem.

Infrastructure and Support Facilities

• 7.53 acres of land allocated exclusively for the Campus Industrial Park, ensuring long-term scalability and sustainable development.

• 18,000 sq. ft. built-up area earmarked for industrial units, R&D labs, and training facilities.

• 6,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art R&D lab established and operational for Genrobotics, equipped with advanced systems for research, prototyping, and collaborative development.

• Modern classrooms and technical workshops tailored for interdisciplinary learning and industrial training programs.

• Dedicated innovation zones and startup incubation spaces for aspiring student entrepreneurs and tech ventures.

• Access to high-end computing infrastructure, electronic prototyping labs, testing tools, and industrial-grade software platforms to support research and product development.

🚀 Impact and Future Scope

The CIP has already begun to reshape student engagement and industry relevance at ICET. Its long-term vision includes:

• Our college is gearing up to launch cutting-edge, sector-specific industrial hubs in fields like AI, renewable energy, smart agriculture, and advanced mechanical systems.

• Becoming a regional innovation hub recognized by national and international bodies.

• Launching student-led startups and patentable technologies.

• Serving as a model for replication across other institutions in Kerala and India.