MeitY Announces Electronic Toy Hackathon
The Indian toy industry is on the brink of transformation, thanks to a collaborative initiative led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Indian Toy Industries, and the LEGO Group. On November 23, 2024, these organizations celebrated the convocation ceremony of the first batch of engineering graduates trained under the project titled “Development of Electronics and IT-based Control and Automation Solutions for Consumer Electronic Goods (Toy Industry).” This program aims to enhance the skills of young engineers and foster innovation in the electronic toys sector.
Empowering Young Engineers
The initiative by MeitY is a significant step towards empowering young engineers, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Selected from various regions across India, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Northeastern states, these engineers underwent a rigorous one-year training program. The first six months of the program were dedicated to hands-on experience in designing and developing electronic toys at C-DAC-Noida. This practical training allowed participants to immerse themselves in the toy industry, gaining valuable insights into the design process.
The second half of the program involved industry training, where the engineers worked on creating toy prototypes based on real-world industry needs. Each participant received a monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000, ensuring that financial constraints did not hinder their learning experience. This structured approach not only equipped the engineers with technical skills but also prepared them for future challenges in the rapidly evolving toy industry.
Global Collaboration with LEGO Group
To enhance the learning experience, the LEGO Group joined as a knowledge partner for this initiative. From October 2023 to March 2024, Sam Coates, Head of Innovation (Interactive) at LEGO’s Creative Play Lab, conducted a series of webinars for the young engineers. These sessions provided insights into LEGO’s experimentation mindset, guidance on toy development, and feedback on the prototypes created by the students.
This collaboration with a global leader in the toy industry is a testament to the program’s commitment to providing a comprehensive education. The exposure to international standards and practices will undoubtedly enrich the participants’ understanding of toy design and development. By learning from industry experts, the engineers are better equipped to contribute to the growth of the Indian electronic toys market.
Future Prospects and Industry Impact
During the convocation ceremony, the Secretary of MeitY announced the launch of the Electronic Toy Hackathon (e-Toycathon), aimed at further encouraging innovation in the sector. Additionally, Shri Sanjay Mehndiratta, Managing Director of Toys Zone, presented appointment letters to ten trained students, marking a significant milestone in their careers.
The Secretary emphasized the importance of building a robust ecosystem for the Indian toy industry. He expressed optimism about the potential for electronics and IT to play a crucial role in this growth. The initiative lays the groundwork for future programs that can reach more students and create a broader impact on the toy industry. Plans for establishing a Centre of Excellence (CoE) with the help of various institutes were also discussed, which could foster entrepreneurship and startups in the electronic toys sector.
In conclusion, the convocation ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of the first batch of graduates but also highlighted the promising future of India’s electronic toy industry. With continued support and collaboration, the next generation of engineers is poised to make significant contributions to this vibrant sector.
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