Transforming engineering education through experiential, project-based learning. Design Experience (DE) empowers students to solve real-world challenges across five integrated verticals — bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.
A paradigm shift in engineering education — from passive learning to active creation
Design Experience (DE) is a cornerstone initiative at MPSTME, NMIMS University, conceived to transform the way engineering students learn, create, and innovate. Rooted in the philosophy of experiential education, DE integrates hands-on design, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving directly into the academic curriculum.
Unlike traditional lecture-based education, Design Experience places students at the center of multidisciplinary projects that mirror the complexities of professional engineering practice. Students work in vertically integrated teams — spanning multiple academic years — where senior students mentor juniors, replicating the knowledge transfer that happens in real organizations.
Through its five verticals — VIP, EPICS, Technical Competitions, Industry Research Organization Projects, and Entrepreneurship — DE ensures every student finds a pathway that aligns with their aspirations, whether it is cutting-edge research, community service, competitive engineering, industry collaboration, or building a startup.
Students tackle open-ended, real-world engineering challenges that have no single correct answer.
Vertically integrated teams where seniors mentor juniors, building continuity and depth across cohorts.
Formal academic recognition for project-based work, ensuring it is integral to the degree program.
The academic leaders who envisioned and drive the Design Experience initiative at MPSTME
Dr. Koteswararao Anne, Dean of MPSTME, is the visionary who conceptualized and launched the Design Experience initiative. With deep expertise in Outcome-Based Education and a significant role in India's Washington Accord accreditation through NBA, Dr. Anne has championed experiential learning to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional engineering practice.
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Dr. Sudipto Sarkar, Director of MPSTME and Head of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering, provides strategic oversight and institutional support for the Design Experience program. With 22+ years in academic leadership, his vision is to elevate India's private higher education to global standards through initiatives like DE.
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Dr. Siba Panda, Assistant Professor & Head of Department (Data Science), manages the digital presence and web initiatives for Design Experience, ensuring information is accessible to all stakeholders.
View Full ProfileEach vertical offers a unique pathway for students to apply engineering knowledge to real-world contexts
Students with entrepreneurial aspirations explore ideation, business model design, prototyping, and market validation. This vertical nurtures the startup mindset, connecting students with mentors, investors, and incubation support to transform engineering innovations into viable ventures.
Students represent MPSTME at national and international engineering competitions including ROBOCON, Smart India Hackathon, SAE, and more. This vertical builds competitive spirit, rapid prototyping skills, and the ability to deliver under pressure — essential traits of engineering professionals.
Students work on live industry research problems in collaboration with organizations and research labs. This vertical provides direct exposure to industry workflows, professional standards, and cutting-edge technologies while building a portfolio of work recognized by potential employers.
Students apply their engineering skills to design and deliver technology-driven solutions for community partners — NGOs, schools, and public organizations. EPICS cultivates social responsibility while developing professional competencies in human-centered design and stakeholder engagement.
A globally recognized program where undergraduate students join large-scale, multidisciplinary research teams to work alongside faculty on long-term projects. Students earn academic credit while contributing to meaningful research that spans multiple semesters and cohorts.
A structured yet flexible pathway from enrollment to professional-grade project delivery
Students explore all five verticals and select the one that aligns with their interest and career goals.
Multi-year, multidisciplinary teams are assembled under faculty SPOC guidance with defined roles and responsibilities.
Teams engage in iterative design, prototyping, testing, and refinement cycles with regular faculty mentorship.
Projects are presented to panels of faculty and industry experts, with peer review and formal academic assessment.
Students Actively Participating Across All Verticals
Live Projects Running Across Five Verticals
Competition Awards at National & International Events
Industry & Community Partners Collaborating with DE
Join thousands of MPSTME students who are shaping the future through experiential engineering education.