Immersive industry visits, hands-on workshop and entrepreneurship sessions redefine professional readiness for future AEC leaders
Gurugram, Haryana: Amity University Haryana, through its Academic Staff College and Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Education, in collaboration with the School of Architecture and Planning, successfully concluded a transformative Five-Day Industry-Oriented Capacity Building Program titled "Bridging Academia and Industry in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Ecosystem: Building Innovation and Entrepreneurial Skills.” from 08-12 June 2026
The programme brought together faculty members, research scholars, students in a structured, experience-driven learning journey-moving well beyond the classroom to deliver real-world immersion in design, manufacturing, technology and entrepreneurship.
Day 1-Inauguration: Setting the Vision
The programme commenced with an inspiring inaugural session that brought together eminent academicians, industry leaders, architects, engineers, research scholars and students to explore innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship and emerging industry practices in the AEC sector.
Hon'ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) P. B. Sharma, AUH set a powerful tone, emphasising the role of higher education in nurturing future-ready professionals capable of contributing to nation-building through innovation, sustainability and responsible leadership.
Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Madhukar, Pro Vice Chancellor, AUH underscored the importance of continuous capacity building and lifelong learning in the evolving AEC sector, calling for stronger academia-industry collaboration to prepare the next generation of professionals.
Prof. Charanjit S. Shah, Architect, Planner & Infrastructure Expert & Founding Principal, Creative Group, New Delhi drew from his experience on major infrastructure and airport projects, highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration, integrated planning, and effective coordination as the key drivers of successful project execution.
Ms. Mili Majumdar, Managing Director, GBCI India, Senior Vice President, Innovation and Research, U.S Green Building Council spoke compellingly on sustainability, energy-efficient design, climate adaptation and emerging technologies shaping the future of the built environment, stressing the need for professionals who are system thinkers and technology integrators.
Mr. Rahul Thakkar, Vice President at Hettich India Ltd represented Hettich India's sustainability-driven philosophy, spotlighting intelligent design, efficient resource utilisation and innovation-led solutions for creating user-centric, sustainable spaces.
Prof. (Dr.) Sanjna Vij, chief co-ordinator of the program & Head, Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Education, AUH welcomed the distinguished speakers and participants, emphasising the critical importance of academia-industry partnerships in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and experiential learning and affirming the programme's role in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice.
The inaugural session concluded with remarks by Prof. H. R. P. Yadav, ASET,AUH who synthesised the key insights shared by the eminent speakers and encouraged participants to engage actively and purposefully throughout the programme.
Technical Session 1 — Building Careers, Not Just Degrees
The inaugural day continued with a thought-provoking Technical Session on "Building a Career Portfolio, Not Just a Degree: Developing Innovation and Entrepreneurial Skills in the AEC Industry", delivered by Ms. Bhagya Lakshmi Umapathy-Architect (PA-293, Professional Architects Council), Secretary of the Mauritius Association of Architects, and Brand Strategy Director at Junior Chamber International, Mauritius. Drawing on her rich multi-disciplinary experience spanning architecture, professional advocacy and brand strategy, Ms. Umapathy challenged participants to think beyond academic credentials and invest in building a dynamic, value-driven career portfolio. The session was followed by an engaging Q&A, an assignment and a feedback session that encouraged participants to immediately reflect on and apply the insights shared.
From Classrooms to Boardrooms: Immersive Industry Engagement
Day 2 – Casa Exotique: From Creative Ideas to Real-World Design Solutions
Participants visited Casa Exotique, where they gained valuable exposure to the practical realities of the interior design industry. Through an engaging interaction with Ms. Bhawana Bhatnagar, Founder, Casa Exotique, participants learned how creative concepts are transformed into successful projects through effective client engagement, mood boards, visual storytelling, material selection, budgeting, procurement and project coordination. The visit provided a realistic understanding of the challenges, decision-making processes and professional practices involved in delivering client-centric design solutions, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations.
Day 3 – Furniture & Fittings Skill Council (FFSC): Where Technology Meets Craft
Participants visited the Furniture & Fittings Skill Council (FFSC) and interacted with the ecosystem led by Mr. Rahul Mehta, CEO, FFSC to gain first-hand exposure to the complete furniture manufacturing ecosystem. The visit provided valuable insights into the journey from digital design to physical production. Through an engaging demonstration of IMOS software, participants learned how advanced digital tools are transforming furniture design, 3D modelling, production planning, scheduling and component detailing. A major highlight of the visit was the hands-on woodworking workshop, where participants worked collaboratively to create furniture prototypes, applying creativity, precision and teamwork in a real-world setting. The experience was further enriched through demonstrations of solid wood construction methods and advanced joinery techniques, helping participants develop a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship, quality and the practical skills required in modern furniture manufacturing.
Day 4 – Hettich India: Innovation, Technology and Industry Excellence
Facilitated through the valuable support of Mr. Rahul Thakkar and Mr. P. Kishore, the visit provided participants with an enriching industry immersion experience at the Hettich Experience Centre, Lajpat Nagar, and the Hettich Poddar Woodworking Institute (HPWWI), Faridabad. At the Hettich Experience Centre, participants explored innovative furniture hardware systems, kitchen fittings, wardrobe solutions, storage technologies and space optimization concepts, gaining insights into how design, functionality and user experience come together to create modern living spaces. Interactive sessions helped participants understand emerging trends and innovations shaping the furniture and interior design industry.
The learning journey continued at HPWWI, Faridabad, where participants gained first-hand exposure to furniture manufacturing technologies, CNC machinery, routing systems and advanced woodworking processes. Expert-led sessions highlighted the growing importance of industry-oriented training, technological advancement and skill development in preparing future-ready professionals. Adding further value to the experience, participants engaged in hands-on woodworking activities and prototype development, strengthening their understanding of fabrication, assembly and precision craftsmanship. The visit concluded with the presentation of participation certificates by Hettich India, recognizing the active involvement and enthusiasm of faculty members and students throughout the industry immersion experience.
Day 5 – Entrepreneurship, Innovation and the Road Ahead
The concluding day of the programme focused on entrepreneurship, innovation and the skills required to thrive in a dynamic and competitive professional environment. Mohd. Parvez, Managing Director, Spark International, shared valuable insights from the company’s journey and landmark projects, highlighting the importance of understanding client requirements, project customization, quality execution and professional excellence. Drawing from real-world experiences, he demonstrated how innovation, attention to detail and customer-centric thinking are essential for success in the design and construction industry.
Adding further value to the learning experience, Mr. Abdul Majid, CEO, Gallant Orbit Solutions, delivered an inspiring session on entrepreneurship and industry engagement. He encouraged participants to think beyond design concepts and develop a deeper understanding of business operations, project execution, professional coordination and industry collaboration. His message was clear and impactful: while academic knowledge provides a strong foundation, continuous learning, adaptability, entrepreneurial thinking and industry exposure are what transform students into professionals and professionals into leaders.
Closing Remarks: A New Standard for Academia-Industry Collaboration
At the valedictory session, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjna Vij, Director, Amity Academic Staff College and Head, Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Education, underscored what made this programme exceptional: direct access to industry leaders, exposure to live projects, and hands-on experiences that no lecture hall can offer. She extended heartfelt thanks to all industry partners for opening their doors to academia.
Dr. Pallavi Sharma, Head of Institution, Amity School of Architecture and Planning, delivered the vote of thanks, celebrating the collective effort of speakers, industry partners, faculty, and participants in creating a truly meaningful learning experience.
A Vision in Action
Organised under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prof. (Dr.) P. B. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Haryana and spearheaded by Prof. (Dr.) Sanjna Vij, Director, Amity Academic Staff College and Head, Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Education, in collaboration with Dr. Pallavi Sharma, Head of Institution, Amity School of Architecture and Planning, the programme stands as a testament to the University's commitment to bridging academia and industry through experiential learning, innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development.
By bringing together faculty members, students and industry leaders on a common platform, the initiative successfully promoted skilling, upskilling, reskilling and industry engagement, helping participants develop the knowledge, competencies and professional mindset required to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Amity University Haryana extends its sincere appreciation to Casa Exotique, Furniture & Fittings Skill Council (FFSC), Hettich India, Hettich Poddar Woodworking Institute (HPWWI), Gallant Orbit Solutions, Spark International. Their valuable support, expertise and collaboration made this programme a resounding success.
The programme reaffirmed a simple yet powerful belief: the future belongs to those who continuously learn, innovate, adapt and collaborate.