Fri Jan 09 19:31:03 UTC 2026: ### Headline: AICTE Vice-Chairman Urges Schools to Cultivate Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The Story:

Abhay Jere, Vice-Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Chief Innovation Officer, Ministry of Education, has called for a shift in pedagogical approaches within Indian schools. Addressing principals and teachers at the ‘Innovation, Design & Entrepreneurship (IDE)’ Bootcamp for PM SHRI Schools at Presidency University on January 9, 2026, Jere emphasized the need to foster innovation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking from an early age. He advocated moving away from rote learning and embracing methods that encourage curiosity, experimentation, and the application of knowledge through real-life examples.

The IDE Bootcamp is designed to equip PM SHRI school principals and teachers with practical training in design thinking, innovative teaching methodologies, entrepreneurial basics, and problem-solving skills. The aim is to cultivate a culture of innovation within their respective schools, supporting the PM SHRI Schools mission and highlighting the crucial role of teachers in building a future-ready education system. The national initiative was held across eight centers in six States.

Key Points:

  • Abhay Jere, AICTE Vice-Chairman and Chief Innovation Officer, Ministry of Education, addressed the IDE Bootcamp on January 9, 2026.
  • He urged schools to prioritize innovation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking.
  • The IDE Bootcamp aims to train PM SHRI school principals and teachers in design thinking, innovative teaching, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving.
  • The program supports the PM SHRI Schools mission to create a future-ready education system.
  • The initiative took place at eight centers across six States in India.

Critical Analysis:

The call for innovative educational approaches comes amid other ongoing efforts across India focused on innovation, sustainability, research, and technology. The Science Expo in Madurai, the Southern dairy food conclave showcasing innovation in the sector, and the SASTRA University webinar on research all point to a coordinated push towards fostering a culture of innovation. This coincides with global trends, such as OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT Health, indicating that these changes also reflect the impact of global progress and adaptation in the Indian context. These events suggest a strategic, multi-pronged approach from various sectors to foster innovation and progress.

Key Takeaways:

  • There is a clear national agenda to promote innovation and entrepreneurship within the Indian education system, beginning at the primary school level.
  • The shift away from rote learning is being actively promoted by key figures in education policy.
  • Teacher training and curriculum reform are seen as crucial components in building a future-ready workforce.
  • Innovation is being promoted across various fields, including education, agriculture, and technology, indicating a widespread push for modernization and advancement.
  • The efforts described may contribute to India’s standing as a global competitor in technology and innovation in the long term.

Impact Analysis:

The focus on innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in education, spearheaded by initiatives like the IDE Bootcamp, has significant long-term implications for India’s economic and social development. By fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving from a young age, India aims to cultivate a generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. This could lead to increased technological advancements, economic growth, and improved solutions to social challenges. Furthermore, a future-ready education system can better equip Indian students to compete in the global job market and contribute to the nation’s overall competitiveness.

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