As part of this initiative, two teachers from the school have been trained in 3D printing technology, enabling them to teach Std. XI students - who range in age from 15 to 18 years - in the school.

The three-month certified course will see the students gain proficiency in 3D printing, the design process and ideation. They will also benefit from the expertise of eminent guest faculty including Dr. S. Venugopal from Mahindra Research Valley, Mahindra's R&D centre near Chennai as well as professors from IIT Madras and NID.

This will result in the creation of an eco-system which will enable experimentation and creativity while providing the students with the basic skills required to use this technology to its full potential.

Students will also be encouraged to create prototypes of their ideas and develop a mind-set conducive to design, innovation and computational thinking. The project will culminate in a Design Challenge where students will be encouraged to showcase their work.

3D printers have been adopted as a common tool for prototyping and are in use by several design agencies, engineering firms and research institutions. However, developing economies can also harness the potential of this affordable and possibly life-saving technology to help them leapfrog highly capital intensive manufacturing.

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