Dr Dhara Thakore, Head, Aarambh Incubation Centre at Anant National University

Design has always been a reflection of the world that we live in, and it is imperative that it changes at the pace with which the world evolves. As we stand at the cusp of rapid technological advancement in design, from augmented and virtual reality to 3D printing and AI integration, these emerging technologies are transforming the role of designers in the professional landscape with high demand of those who can deliver tailor made experiences for industries ranging from entertainment to education, from healthcare to homeland security.

Anant National University with its unique blend of specializations in Product design, Communication Design, Space design, Interaction Design, Moving images, Sustainable fashion technology and Transdisciplinary Design along with 11 minors, both taught through theory and studio, provides an opportunity for an interdisciplinary exploration. Assuredly, the pedagogy at Anant is not simply about preparing for work. The students are empowered with the knowledge, skills and a broadened perspective to solve real world problems. The University provides assistance to cater to the varied career aspirations of the students. Be it jobs, entrepreneurship or higher studies, the students have access to multiple pathways to choose from.

Anant through its Career Service Office has created an industry – academia interface to acquaint the students with the emerging trends and prepare them for the changing needs of modern job spaces. This is achieved through skilling workshops conducted by Industry experts such as a workshop on Digital Sculpting conducted by Tata Consultancy Services amongst others, along with internship and capstone in various organisations of repute and industrial visits. Over the last two years more than 150 prestigious companies have recruited from Anant with a 97% placement record in 2023. Some of the top recruiters include Accenture, Piramal, Larsen and Toubro, Lodha Group, HCP Architects, Homelane, and Peepal Design.

The University has a dedicated Incubation centre, Aarambh, to convert viable student ideas into impactful ventures through funding, mentorship and investor connect. The incubation centre is currently supported by the Student Startup and Innovation Policy of the Department of Education, Government of Gujarat, Ministry of Education Innovation Cell, Ministry of Education, Government of India and Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India. The centre also provides assistance to protect the Intellectual Property Rights of the innovations created, through capacity building workshops, prior art search and filing support and transfer of technology to relevant industries to foster commercialization. In the past two years 68 IPRs have been filed and Anant is looking at closing this financial year with more than 100 IPR filing.

Over the years Anant has consciously enhanced its global footprint and visibility through collaborations with prestigious International Universities for enriching the curriculum, research and exchange opportunities, thereby, integrating the students with the international mainstream of Design. Some of key institutes include University of Pennsylvania, University of Miami,  Pratt Institute and Boston Architectural College.

With various strategic interventions, Anant National University strives to develop solutionaries with creative problem- solving skills that weave from traditional to contemporary and build and design for the future.

Also read: Anant National University launches India’s first BTech in climate technologies