The Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering organized a two-day workshop titled “Embedded Hardware Design for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship” on 17th and 18th November 2025, with the objective of equipping students with strong fundamentals in embedded hardware design and exposing them to emerging opportunities in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector. The workshop was conducted by Mr. Vaibhav Sugandhi, Founder and CEO of Eartkey Innovation Pvt. Ltd., Co-creator at Linked Frequency, and Project Associate at IIIT Dharwad, Hubli–Dharwad. An entrepreneur and PCB design engineer, the resource person has extensive industry experience in electronic product design and manufacturing, along with a strong passion for mentoring students and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Mr. Vaibhav Sugandhi began his entrepreneurial journey by founding Unique Tech Designs, Hubli in 2016, followed by the establishment of Eartkey Innovation Pvt. Ltd. in 2020. His professional work spans PCB design, EDA tools, and industrial electronic product development for reputed organizations such as Tata Marcopolo, Samsung, Indian Railways, and several Indian startups. He has trained over 3000 students across India and actively contributes to building learning communities in the ESDM domain through training programs and digital platforms.
The workshop was designed to provide participants with a strong foundation in modern embedded hardware design while bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations.
On Day 1, the sessions focused on the fundamentals of PCB design, including layout principles, design rules, and standard industry practices. This was followed by an insightful session on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in hardware design, where the resource person explained how AI and Machine Learning techniques are transforming design automation, error detection, and optimization in modern EDA tools.
On Day 2, the focus shifted toward career opportunities and entrepreneurship in the ESDM sector. Participants were introduced to various professional pathways, startup ecosystems, and innovation-driven opportunities in embedded system design. A hands-on training session using AI-powered EDA tools enabled students to apply theoretical concepts in real time, reinforcing their understanding through practical implementation.
The two-day workshop offered a highly interactive learning environment that blended expert discussions, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Students actively participated throughout the sessions and expressed that the workshop significantly enhanced their understanding of PCB design, embedded systems, and the role of Artificial Intelligence in hardware development. A total of 64 students and 2 faculty members actively participated in the workshop. Participants reported improved clarity on industry practices and increased confidence in pursuing careers and entrepreneurial ventures in the ESDM sector.
Overall, the workshop was a great success, effectively equipping students with industry-relevant technical knowledge, practical exposure, and entrepreneurial insights essential for innovation and professional growth in the field of embedded hardware design.