Innovation does not begin with technology, it begins with the ability to observe problems differently. This message resonated throughout an interactive session on "Journey of Ideas", organized by the Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) of Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Engineering (SSGMCE), Shegaon, where Abhijit Bhand, Intellectual Property Consultant and Registered Indian Patent Agent, was invited as the keynote speaker.
The session challenged participants to rethink the traditional perception of innovation. Rather than viewing innovation as a result of sophisticated laboratories or large research budgets, students were encouraged to understand that every successful invention begins with empathy, observation, and structured problem-solving, the very principles of design thinking. Through practical examples, participants learned how identifying everyday challenges can lead to ideas with significant technological and commercial potential.
A key focus of the session was the relationship between innovation, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship. Students explored how an idea evolves from a simple concept into a protected innovation capable of creating economic value. Discussions highlighted the role of patents in protecting technological inventions, trademarks in building trusted brands, industrial designs in improving product appeal, and copyrights in safeguarding creative works. Emphasis was placed on the fact that innovation alone is insufficient unless accompanied by an effective strategy for protecting and commercializing intellectual assets.
Drawing from real-world examples, Mr. Bhand explained how companies such as Dyson transformed engineering innovation into a globally recognized business through patented product design, while Tesla reshaped the electric mobility industry through continuous technological innovation and strategic intellectual property management. Participants also examined Indian success stories, including Ather Energy, whose innovation in electric mobility demonstrates how technology, branding, and intellectual property together create sustainable competitive advantage in emerging industries.
The programme encouraged students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset by viewing problems as opportunities for innovation. Rather than waiting for breakthrough ideas, participants were inspired to continuously question existing products, processes, and services, recognizing that incremental improvements often lead to meaningful technological advancement. The interactive discussions enabled students to appreciate that innovation is a disciplined process supported by creativity, critical thinking, and intellectual property.
The session concluded with an engaging interaction where students discussed startup development, patent protection, innovation careers, and the practical application of design thinking in engineering education. Their enthusiastic participation reflected the growing interest among young engineers in creating solutions that extend beyond the classroom and contribute to society.
The programme was successfully organized by the Institution's Innovation Council (IIC), SSGMCE, under the guidance of Dr. A. S. Manekar, President, IIC, Prof. P. G. Angaitkar, Convener, IIC, Dr. R. A. Zamare, Department Coordinator, IIC, Dr. J. M. Patil, Head of the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, and Dr. S. B. Somani, Principal, SSGMCE. Their continued commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship is creating meaningful opportunities for students to develop the mindset required for the knowledge-driven economy.
By connecting design thinking with intellectual property and entrepreneurship, the session encouraged participants to view every idea as a potential innovation capable of generating both societal impact and economic value when nurtured with the right strategy and vision.
