IIT Palakkad Concludes Six-Month AICTE-QIP Certificate Programmes in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing, and Robotics

The Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at IIT Palakkad recently marked the successful culmination of two prestigious six-month hybrid AICTE-QIP-PG certificate programmes. The courses, "3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing" and "Robotics",  wrapped up with an intensive, one-month residential offline phase at the Sahyadri Campus on 25 June 2026.

Launched in February 2026 in online mode, these flagship initiatives were designed to upscale the technical capabilities of engineering educators across India, blending rigorous digital coursework with hands-on experiential learning.

Through the “AICTE-QIP-PG Certificate Programme” in emerging areas, the faculty members from core engineering disciplines like mechanical, civil, electrical, electronics, chemical, etc. get trained in the emerging technologies, which in turn shall enable them to impart effective teaching to the students enrolled in courses on emerging areas.

The programmes saw enthusiastic nationwide participation, attracting a total of 56 faculty members. 27 participants immersed themselves in 3D Printing and additive manufacturing and 29 participants specialised in Robotics.

Throughout the six months, faculty participants were mentored by eminent external and internal experts. The residential phase offered them full access to IIT Palakkad’s cutting-edge laboratories and central library, allowing participants to design, execute, and present comprehensive technical projects for final assessment. The seamless execution of these deep-tech programmes was driven by dedicated faculty coordinators

3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing Team: Dr. Kesavan D. and Dr. Kanmani Subbu S. (Associate Professors, Mechanical Engineering). Robotics Team: Prof. Santhakumar Mohan (Mechanical Engineering), along with Dr. Sneha Gajbhiye, Dr. Shaikshavali Chitraganti, and Dr. M. Sabarimalai Manikandan (Associate Professors, Electrical Engineering). 

The concluding ceremony commenced with a warm welcome by Mr. Sabarinathan T. Reflecting on the initiative's core mission, Dr. Kanmani Subbu S. (Chairperson of CCE and Centre Head for the AICTE-QIP initiative) highlighted how the CCE continues to drive faculty development through advanced technical interventions. Course coordinators Dr. Kesavan D. and Prof. Santhakumar Mohan shared their reflections on the participants' impressive learning curves, followed by a feedback session where attendees expressed deep appreciation for the hands-on curriculum and interaction with global experts.

Delivering the valedictory address, Prof. A. Seshadri Sekhar, Director, IIT Palakkad, congratulated the batch and urged them to act as catalysts of innovation. He encouraged them to integrate their newly acquired competencies in robotics and smart manufacturing directly into their own classrooms, research projects, and institutional frameworks.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Harikrishnan P., celebrating a milestone achievement for both the participants and the host institution.