Under the Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) initiative , I contributed to the design, setup, and development of 28 Center for Early Innovation mini makerspaces across government schools in Kerala . The initiative aimed at promoting creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning among school students by integrating state-of-the-art makerspaces into their learning environment.

My contributions spanned from infrastructure setup to curriculum development and from teacher and student training to machine troubleshooting and optimization, ensuring the sustainability of the labs.

1. Lab Setup : Installation of tools, calibration of machines, and layout optimization.

2. Training Teachers : Hands-on workshops on digital fabrication, robotics, electronics, and safety protocols.

3. Training Students : Introductory classes to build confidence and interest in using the labs effectively.

4. Learning Material Preparation : STEM kits, activity modules, and experiment guides.

5. Troubleshooting : Diagnosing and fixing 3D printers, CNC machines, and electronic systems.

6. Machine Development : Actively participated in the design and development of the MaxA3 CNC Plotter and the Poly Plot — Kerala’s first multi-color plotter with an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC), both of which showcased the innovation potential of the makerspaces.

Internship Phase (July 2024 - Sep 2024 : 3 Months)

• Contributed to the initial installation of Kerala’s first lab.

• Developed learning materials and activity content for school students.

• Involved in Poly Plot development for the inauguration.

• Supported the community project by preparing documentation and assisting in lab setup.

Fellowship Phase (Oct 2024 - Oct 2025 : 1 Year )

• Involved in the development of the ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) mechanism for the CNC Pen Plotter project.

• Expanded contributions to multiple schools under SSK.

• Led teacher/student training programs .

• Continued machine troubleshooting, lab maintenance, and curriculum refinement .

Led the setup of the first 'Center for Early Innovation' at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Tripunithura, Kochi , inaugurated by Minister for General Education and Labour Shri. V. Sivankutty .

Minister Shri. V. Sivankutty inaugurated the lab by signing digitally, which the Poly Plot recreated on paper.

Designed and established CEI labs across 28 government schools in Kerala.

Optimized lab infrastructure and enhanced functionality for long-term use.

Collaborated in developing Kerala’s first multi-color plotter (Poly Plot) with ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) for the inauguration of the Center for Early Innovation.

This is something we are building to make digital fabrication easier to understand and more fun to use. The idea is simple, you make a drawing on the computer, and the machine draws it out for you on paper or other flat surfaces. It’s not meant to be a heavy industrial tool, but more of a learning and exploration tool that shows how computer-controlled machines work.

Our goal with this project is to give students and beginners a way to see their ideas turn into something real, while also learning the basics of CNC and digital-to-physical making. By keeping it simple and approachable, the machine becomes a bridge between creativity and technology.

In the bigger picture, projects like this help us experiment with tools and methods that can later be applied to more advanced machines. It’s also a way for us to share what we build and learn, so others can use, improve, or adapt it in their own work.

Contributed to its design, development, and documentation.

Prepared structured curriculum modules aligned with school-level STEM education.

Developed hands-on learning kits and guided activity sheets to spark innovation and scientific curiosity among students.

Designed content for student activities to ensure efficient use of lab’s tools and machines.

Conducted training sessions for teachers on the use of makerspace tools and integrating them into classroom learning.

Organized student orientation sessions to give them a glimpse into the labs, motivating them to explore and innovate.

Delivered practical classes demonstrating the application of design, fabrication, and electronics tools.

Provided technical troubleshooting support for machines and equipment in makerspaces.

Documented failure report of Creality K1C (including new board issue) and proposed solutions for continuous operation.

Assisted in preventive maintenance and system-level optimizations.

Reaching some of these schools was a journey in itself. Each visit turned into a mini-adventure across Kerala’s diverse landscapes .

Sometimes it was overnight train rides , carrying toolkits and learning materials. Other times it was long bus journeys through winding hill roads . In remote areas, the final stretch often meant hopping onto a jeep ride through narrow village paths to finally reach the school.

The first makerspace under SSK , the Center for Early Innovation at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Tripunithura , will always remain special to me. This lab was the starting point of the journey and became the benchmark for all future installations .

Suggested photos for this section

Here are some snapshots from the labs I helped design and establish

Empowered teachers and students across 28 schools to engage in hands-on, project-based learning .

Contributed to Kerala’s dedicated early innovation centers for school students.

Helped create a sustainable ecosystem for innovation in education through curriculum design and infrastructure development.