Center of Excellence for Design Thinking and Innovation Vishwakarma University Pune
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:11
Center of Excellence for Design Thinking and Innovation Vishwakarma University Pune
Our Collaborators
Introduction
Design thinking is a powerful approach to new product development that begins with understanding unmet customer needs. It’s a human-centered design process that approaches problem-solving with understanding the user needs. Design thinking encompasses concept development, applied creativity, prototyping, and experimentation. When design thinking approaches are applied to business, the success rate for innovation has been seen to improve substantially.
There has always been a high demand for change, as per the situation and need, in a favourable or unfavourable context. The context of a changing environment results in human physiological changes which are necessary for life, and change is life. Change symbolises growth. However, there are limits to human adaptability and therefore limits to the rate of change with which a person can cope in any given situation. Designers & thinkers are therefore responsible and play a wider role of providing the relevant desired change to stimulate without overloading the human system and application to a higher extent as a tangible outcome. To explain in a nutshell, the following points will explain in the best possible way its role and purpose
Imbibe the powerful design thinking tools and techniques
Solve complex challenges using proven design-thinking frameworks
Combine design-thinking processes with analytical tools
Improve collaboration across functions
Vision
To collaboratively develop an eco-system for seeding and nurturing spirit of curiosity, logical thinking, ideation,
Design thinking, creativity, innovation and social awareness to facilitate transformation of ideas of student and faculty to techno-commercially viable and relevant projects useful for society.
Mission
To enable a platform for collaboration, cooperation and operations for Binghamton University and Vishwakarma University (and Institutes) students and faculty
To create and teach a design thinking and problem solving framework
To develop multidisciplinary approach to system, product and service design
To synergize the expertise of center-of-excellence in Vishwakarma University for project building.
To develop cross-cultural design thinking ability
To build human centricity and empathy in design solutions
To promote ability to innovate
To develop the creative confidence in our students
To foster a culture for the experimentation and prototyping of design solutions
To co-create impactful solutions to societal problems
Objectives
To enable platform for collaboration, cooper
ation and operation for Binghamton University and Vishwakarma University (and Institutes) student and faculty
To create a design thinking and problem solving framework.
To develop a multidisciplinary approach to system design.
To synergize expertise of center-of-excellences in VU for project building.
To develop cross-cultural design thinking ability.
To build empathy in design solutions.
To promote the ability to innovate
To create impactful solutions to societal problems.
Goals
Build our brand and contribute to the betterment of society by applying and expanding the Design Thinking & Innovation body of knowledge
Philosophy of the Centre
Concept of centre of excellence (COE) is a team of skilled
knowledge provider whose mission is to channelize the
organization they work for with best practices around a
particular area of interest related and in the development
towards the benefit of society/industry through
professional projects with a specific purpose.
Centre of excellence is also committed to fill the
gaps through a rigorous research work with a
defined process by collaborating with projects
related to industry, NGOs/ and government
organizations.
Principle for Design Thinking and Innovation
Human Centric (Empathy)
Collaboration
Visualization
Experimentation
Re-design
5 Pillar of the Centre
Capacity Building:
Student & Faculty
Projects: Student, Research & Joint
Funding Projects – Grants & Awards
Book Contributions: IPR, Books, Blogs,
Publications, & Articles
Societal Impact:
Industry Projects, Internships & Training
SWOT Analysis
What internal Strengths can we leverage?
Multidisciplinary programs and faculty at VU experts in IPR
Strong Industry connections and collaborations
Strong Arts & Departments programs and faculty
Prototyping labs on campus for new innovations
Motivated team that is inspired by DT&I
Developed a unique & effective Design Thinking & Innovation process (flexible, portable & scalable) - applicable
across all domains
Marketing & Branding capabilities (trademarks, promotional materials, etc.)
What internal Weakness can we overcome?
Limited access to funding agencies
Growing graduate programs and research project opportunities
What external Threats should we guard against?
Other institutions trying to providing similar programs and offerings
COVID-19 variants extending the pandemic and lockdown restrictions
What external Opportunities can we take advantage of?
Crisis and societal changes (new normal) post-COVID “new normal”
Growing need for safe & secure food supply chain
Block chain technology ensures authenticity of products
Growing interest in the Design Thinking approach to innovation and problem solving
National innovation and Startup policy
New Education Policy (NEP) - student can earn credit (transferable to any institution) e.g. 2+2
program with VU and BU
Our Team
Prof. (Dr.) Kailas Patil
Director
Prof. Prashant S. Acharya
Dy.Director
Prof. Apurva Thosar
Dy.Director
Trainings / Courses offered
Design Thinking Workshops and Events
Design Thinking Workshops and Events were conducted at the VU campus under the guidance of Prof. Michael Testani, Prof. Prashant Acharya and VU faculty members, training over 300 students
Workshop No. I
17/09/2019-18/09/2019 (2 Days)
Workshop No. II
3/12/2019-4/12/2019 (2 Days)
Workshop No. III
30/01/2020-31/01/2020 (2 Days)
Workshop No. IV
25/02/2020-26/02/2020 (2 Days)
Design Thinking and Innovation certification program
Programme Type - Certification Programme
Course Code - DT2021-101
Communicably - Summer 2021
Total Mark- 100
Credits - 2
Project
Uniform Design World Wisdom School –Pune
Client Requirement
Grade 1st to 5th Grade (Primary)
Grade 6th to 10th Grade (Secondary)
Grade 11th and 12th Grade (Junior College / Higher Secondary)
Formal Dress for both Boys and Girls
4 Sports Uniforms according to Houses for both Boys and Girls
Winter Jacket or Hoody
VU Team Members
Sr No
Faculty Members
1.
Prof. (Dr) Kailas Patil (Director, Design Thinking and Innovation Center)
2.
Prof. Mrs. Apurva Thosar (DyDirector, Design Thinking and Innovation
Center)
3.
Prof. Prashant Acharya (DyDirector, Design Thinking and Innovation
Center)
4.
Prof. Mrs. Nalini Naik Nimbalkar (Dean, Arts and Design)
5.
Prof. Mrs. Reena Pande (HoD, Fashion Design)
6.
Prof. Ms. Nisha Khandekar (Faculty, Fashion Design)
7.
Prof. Mrs. Vaishali Wagh (Faculty, Fashion Design)
Sr No
Students Members
1.
Madhuja Ashtaputre
2.
Bhargavi Divate
3.
Nitisha Kothari
4.
Prapti Fulfagar
5.
Maahi Deshmukh
6.
Saumya Parikh
7.
Divyal Lahoti
8.
Shrushti Shingvi
9.
Divya Lunawat
10.
Riya Firodiya
Smart Bench Design World Wisdom School –Pune
Client Requirement
Primary & Secondary students
Smart Bench should be ergonomically with screen
VU Team Members
Sr No
Faculty Members
1.
Prof. (Dr) Kailas Patil (Director, Design Thinking and Innovation Center)
2.
Prof. Mrs. Apurva Thosar (DyDirector, Design Thinking and Innovation
Center)
3.
Prof. Prashant Acharya (DyDirector, Design Thinking and Innovation
Center)
4.
Prof. Swathish Thiyagu
5.
Prof. Akash Alegaonka
Sr No
Students Members
1.
Om Bankar
Activity Table
Sr. No.
Activities
1.
Multi-disciplinary course in Design Thinking
Multi-disciplinary course (2-credit hours)
Designed for 2nd and 3rd year students (71 registered students)
Co-teaching in Live Virtual Classroom – Acharya, Patil, Apurva Thosar, and Testani
Online Instruction and strong activity-based learning (14 project teams)
Timing is for Year 1 (2021)
2.
Induction Program-For S&T New admitted students on18/08/2021
3.
Induction Program For A&D (B.DES Foundation) New admitted students on
6/09/2021,13/09/2021(2days)
4.
Induction Program - For A&D (Department of Interior Spaces, Animation, Fashion)
New admitted students on17/09/2021
5.
5. Design Thinking and Innovation organizing FDP for Viswakrama University Faculties.
Date- 6/08/2021
6.
Viswakarma Vidyalaya
Critical Thinking
For class 8,9,10th students 15,16,17 APRIL 2021
Time -5.30pm-6.30pm - Time Duration – 60Mins
7.
Higher order Thinking skills and Intergation of higher order thinking skills For class 9,10TH stu-
dents Wisdom school
8.
Design Thinking -Industrial interaction workshop with MIG 29/10/2020
9.
Using Design Thinking to reimaging a better future
Date -16/02/2022 Time- 6pm-7pm
Speaker – Prof. Micael Testani
10.
Global Ev Market data and Exploration
Date -16/03/2022 Time- 6pm-7pm
Speaker- Dr. Yong Wang
11.
Design Thinking
An Innovation approach that draws from designers toolkits to integrate the needs of
people.
Date- 25/03/2022 Time -10.30am – 5.30am Venue- Vishwakarma University
Auditorium
Speaker –Prof. Micael Testani , Prof. Kailas Patil,
Prof. Apurva Thosar, Prof.Prashant Acharya
12.
Design Thinking Innovation workshop For World Wisdom School
Date- 13/01/2022 Time – 8am-9am
Speaker - Prof. Micael Testani
Contact Us
Prof. (Dr.) Kailas Patil
Director
kailas.patil@vupune.ac.in
Prof. Prashant S. Acharya
Dy. Director
prashant.acharya@vupune.ac.in
Prof. Apurva Thosar
Dy. Director
apurva.thosar@vupune.ac.in
NAVIGATION
home
About Us
academics
Centres of Excellence
Our People
Student Facilitation Centre
Life @ VU
Examinations
Committees
Mandatory Disclosures
Statutory Documents
ISO 27001-Information Security Policies
Disclaimers
QUICK LINKS
Alumni
Blog
Student Grievance Redressal Portal
News and Media
International Community
Academic Calendar
Holiday List
Faculty Notices
NPTEL Local Chapter
Esamadhaan
Annual Report
Privacy Policy
Anti Discrimination Cell
Mental health helpline
PROGRAMMES
Art & Design
Architecture
Commerce & Management
Humanities & Social Sciences
Law & Governance
Media & Communication
Pharmacy
Science & Technology
ADMISSIONS
Admission Enquiry
Study in India
International Admissions
Programme Brochures
Entrance Test (VUNET)
Admission Process
Terms And Condition
CONTACT US
REGISTERED OFFICE:
Vishwakarma University
Survey No. 2, 3, 4 Laxmi Nagar,
Kondhwa Budruk, Pune - 411 048.
Maharashtra, India.
+91 8669908316
admissions@vupune.ac.in
est.section@vupune.ac.in
Copyright © Vishwakarma University, Pune 2026 All rights reserved..
[Best viewed in IE 10+, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera.]
Powered by
Programme Brochures
Apply for Admission
Register for VUNET
Register for VUPET
Ph.D Enquiry
Apply for Admission
Programme Brochure
Ph.D Enquiry
Call Us
Admissions (UG / PG) –
9067002223
/
9067002224
/
9067002225
Admissions (International) –
9067002224
/
9067002225
Admissions (PhD) –
9067002224
/
9067002225
Administration -
9067002227
Our Collaborators
Introduction
Design thinking is a powerful approach to new product development that begins with understanding unmet customer needs. It’s a human-centered design process that approaches problem-solving with understanding the user needs. Design thinking encompasses concept development, applied creativity, prototyping, and experimentation. When design thinking approaches are applied to business, the success rate for innovation has been seen to improve substantially.
There has always been a high demand for change, as per the situation and need, in a favourable or unfavourable context. The context of a changing environment results in human physiological changes which are necessary for life, and change is life. Change symbolises growth. However, there are limits to human adaptability and therefore limits to the rate of change with which a person can cope in any given situation. Designers & thinkers are therefore responsible and play a wider role of providing the relevant desired change to stimulate without overloading the human system and application to a higher extent as a tangible outcome. To explain in a nutshell, the following points will explain in the best possible way its role and purpose
Imbibe the powerful design thinking tools and techniques
Solve complex challenges using proven design-thinking frameworks
Combine design-thinking processes with analytical tools
Improve collaboration across functions
Vision
To collaboratively develop an eco-system for seeding and nurturing spirit of curiosity, logical thinking, ideation,
Design thinking, creativity, innovation and social awareness to facilitate transformation of ideas of student and faculty to techno-commercially viable and relevant projects useful for society.
Mission
To enable a platform for collaboration, cooperation and operations for Binghamton University and Vishwakarma University (and Institutes) students and faculty
To create and teach a design thinking and problem solving framework
To develop multidisciplinary approach to system, product and service design
To synergize the expertise of center-of-excellence in Vishwakarma University for project building.
To develop cross-cultural design thinking ability
To build human centricity and empathy in design solutions
To promote ability to innovate
To develop the creative confidence in our students
To foster a culture for the experimentation and prototyping of design solutions
To co-create impactful solutions to societal problems
Objectives
To enable platform for collaboration, cooper
ation and operation for Binghamton University and Vishwakarma University (and Institutes) student and faculty
To create a design thinking and problem solving framework.
To develop a multidisciplinary approach to system design.
To synergize expertise of center-of-excellences in VU for project building.
To develop cross-cultural design thinking ability.
To build empathy in design solutions.
To promote the ability to innovate
To create impactful solutions to societal problems.
Goals
Build our brand and contribute to the betterment of society by applying and expanding the Design Thinking & Innovation body of knowledge
Philosophy of the Centre
Concept of centre of excellence (COE) is a team of skilled
knowledge provider whose mission is to channelize the
organization they work for with best practices around a
particular area of interest related and in the development
towards the benefit of society/industry through
professional projects with a specific purpose.
Centre of excellence is also committed to fill the
gaps through a rigorous research work with a
defined process by collaborating with projects
related to industry, NGOs/ and government
organizations.
Principle for Design Thinking and Innovation
Human Centric (Empathy)
Collaboration
Visualization
Experimentation
Re-design
5 Pillar of the Centre
Capacity Building:
Student & Faculty
Projects: Student, Research & Joint
Funding Projects – Grants & Awards
Book Contributions: IPR, Books, Blogs,
Publications, & Articles
Societal Impact:
Industry Projects, Internships & Training
SWOT Analysis
What internal Strengths can we leverage?
Multidisciplinary programs and faculty at VU experts in IPR
Strong Industry connections and collaborations
Strong Arts & Departments programs and faculty
Prototyping labs on campus for new innovations
Motivated team that is inspired by DT&I
Developed a unique & effective Design Thinking & Innovation process (flexible, portable & scalable) - applicable
across all domains
Marketing & Branding capabilities (trademarks, promotional materials, etc.)
What internal Weakness can we overcome?
Limited access to funding agencies
Growing graduate programs and research project opportunities
What external Threats should we guard against?
Other institutions trying to providing similar programs and offerings
COVID-19 variants extending the pandemic and lockdown restrictions
What external Opportunities can we take advantage of?
Crisis and societal changes (new normal) post-COVID “new normal”
Growing need for safe & secure food supply chain
Block chain technology ensures authenticity of products
Growing interest in the Design Thinking approach to innovation and problem solving
National innovation and Startup policy
New Education Policy (NEP) - student can earn credit (transferable to any institution) e.g. 2+2
program with VU and BU
Our Team
Prof. (Dr.) Kailas Patil
Director
Prof. Prashant S. Acharya
Dy.Director
Prof. Apurva Thosar
Dy.Director
Trainings / Courses offered
Design Thinking Workshops and Events
Design Thinking Workshops and Events were conducted at the VU campus under the guidance of Prof. Michael Testani, Prof. Prashant Acharya and VU faculty members, training over 300 students
Workshop No. I
17/09/2019-18/09/2019 (2 Days)
Workshop No. II
3/12/2019-4/12/2019 (2 Days)
Workshop No. III
30/01/2020-31/01/2020 (2 Days)
Workshop No. IV
25/02/2020-26/02/2020 (2 Days)
Design Thinking and Innovation certification program
Programme Type - Certification Programme
Course Code - DT2021-101
Communicably - Summer 2021
Total Mark- 100
Credits - 2
Project
Uniform Design World Wisdom School –Pune
Client Requirement
Grade 1st to 5th Grade (Primary)
Grade 6th to 10th Grade (Secondary)
Grade 11th and 12th Grade (Junior College / Higher Secondary)
Formal Dress for both Boys and Girls
4 Sports Uniforms according to Houses for both Boys and Girls
Winter Jacket or Hoody
VU Team Members
Sr No
Faculty Members
1.
Prof. (Dr) Kailas Patil (Director, Design Thinking and Innovation Center)
2.
Prof. Mrs. Apurva Thosar (DyDirector, Design Thinking and Innovation
Center)
3.
Prof. Prashant Acharya (DyDirector, Design Thinking and Innovation
Center)
4.
Prof. Mrs. Nalini Naik Nimbalkar (Dean, Arts and Design)
5.
Prof. Mrs. Reena Pande (HoD, Fashion Design)
6.
Prof. Ms. Nisha Khandekar (Faculty, Fashion Design)
7.
Prof. Mrs. Vaishali Wagh (Faculty, Fashion Design)
Sr No
Students Members
1.
Madhuja Ashtaputre
2.
Bhargavi Divate
3.
Nitisha Kothari
4.
Prapti Fulfagar
5.
Maahi Deshmukh
6.
Saumya Parikh
7.
Divyal Lahoti
8.
Shrushti Shingvi
9.
Divya Lunawat
10.
Riya Firodiya
Smart Bench Design World Wisdom School –Pune
Client Requirement
Primary & Secondary students
Smart Bench should be ergonomically with screen
VU Team Members
Sr No
Faculty Members
1.
Prof. (Dr) Kailas Patil (Director, Design Thinking and Innovation Center)
2.
Prof. Mrs. Apurva Thosar (DyDirector, Design Thinking and Innovation
Center)
3.
Prof. Prashant Acharya (DyDirector, Design Thinking and Innovation
Center)
4.
Prof. Swathish Thiyagu
5.
Prof. Akash Alegaonka
Sr No
Students Members
1.
Om Bankar
Activity Table
Sr. No.
Activities
1.
Multi-disciplinary course in Design Thinking
Multi-disciplinary course (2-credit hours)
Designed for 2nd and 3rd year students (71 registered students)
Co-teaching in Live Virtual Classroom – Acharya, Patil, Apurva Thosar, and Testani
Online Instruction and strong activity-based learning (14 project teams)
Timing is for Year 1 (2021)
2.
Induction Program-For S&T New admitted students on18/08/2021
3.
Induction Program For A&D (B.DES Foundation) New admitted students on
6/09/2021,13/09/2021(2days)
4.
Induction Program - For A&D (Department of Interior Spaces, Animation, Fashion)
New admitted students on17/09/2021
5.
5. Design Thinking and Innovation organizing FDP for Viswakrama University Faculties.
Date- 6/08/2021
6.
Viswakarma Vidyalaya
Critical Thinking
For class 8,9,10th students 15,16,17 APRIL 2021
Time -5.30pm-6.30pm - Time Duration – 60Mins
7.
Higher order Thinking skills and Intergation of higher order thinking skills For class 9,10TH stu-
dents Wisdom school
8.
Design Thinking -Industrial interaction workshop with MIG 29/10/2020
9.
Using Design Thinking to reimaging a better future
Date -16/02/2022 Time- 6pm-7pm
Speaker – Prof. Micael Testani
10.
Global Ev Market data and Exploration
Date -16/03/2022 Time- 6pm-7pm
Speaker- Dr. Yong Wang
11.
Design Thinking
An Innovation approach that draws from designers toolkits to integrate the needs of
people.
Date- 25/03/2022 Time -10.30am – 5.30am Venue- Vishwakarma University
Auditorium
Speaker –Prof. Micael Testani , Prof. Kailas Patil,
Prof. Apurva Thosar, Prof.Prashant Acharya
12.
Design Thinking Innovation workshop For World Wisdom School
Date- 13/01/2022 Time – 8am-9am
Speaker - Prof. Micael Testani
Contact Us
Prof. (Dr.) Kailas Patil
Director
kailas.patil@vupune.ac.in
Prof. Prashant S. Acharya
Dy. Director
prashant.acharya@vupune.ac.in
Prof. Apurva Thosar
Dy. Director
apurva.thosar@vupune.ac.in
NAVIGATION
home
About Us
academics
Centres of Excellence
Our People
Student Facilitation Centre
Life @ VU
Examinations
Committees
Mandatory Disclosures
Statutory Documents
ISO 27001-Information Security Policies
Disclaimers
QUICK LINKS
Alumni
Blog
Student Grievance Redressal Portal
News and Media
International Community
Academic Calendar
Holiday List
Faculty Notices
NPTEL Local Chapter
Esamadhaan
Annual Report
Privacy Policy
Anti Discrimination Cell
Mental health helpline
PROGRAMMES
Art & Design
Architecture
Commerce & Management
Humanities & Social Sciences
Law & Governance
Media & Communication
Pharmacy
Science & Technology
ADMISSIONS
Admission Enquiry
Study in India
International Admissions
Programme Brochures
Entrance Test (VUNET)
Admission Process
Terms And Condition
CONTACT US
REGISTERED OFFICE:
Vishwakarma University
Survey No. 2, 3, 4 Laxmi Nagar,
Kondhwa Budruk, Pune - 411 048.
Maharashtra, India.
+91 8669908316
admissions@vupune.ac.in
est.section@vupune.ac.in
Copyright © Vishwakarma University, Pune 2026 All rights reserved..
[Best viewed in IE 10+, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera.]
Powered by
Programme Brochures
Apply for Admission
Register for VUNET
Register for VUPET
Ph.D Enquiry
Apply for Admission
Programme Brochure
Ph.D Enquiry
Call Us
Admissions (UG / PG) –
9067002223
/
9067002224
/
9067002225
Admissions (International) –
9067002224
/
9067002225
Admissions (PhD) –
9067002224
/
9067002225
Administration -
9067002227