| SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram | |
| Title of the Event: | INNOVATION IN PROTOTYPE VALIDATION-CONVERTING INNOVATION INTO A START-UP |
| Date: | 18.07.2025 |
| Time: | 06.30 PM to 7.30 PM |
| Venue: | SRMIST,RAMAPURAM |
| Total Attendees: | 80 (I,II,III Year students from department of EEE & BME) |
| Name of the Speaker (if any): | Mr Britto Shibi |
| Profile of the Speaker | |
| Cofounder & Chief Technology Officer, Airvue / Innovating Indoor Air quality solutions Chennai | |
| Event Mode: | Online |
| Incharges: | Convenor: Dr. K.N.Srinivas, Prof. & HOD, EEE Dr. Ushus S Kumar HOD I/C,BME Co-convenors: Dr.S.Premalatha, ASP / EEE Dr. Shelishiyah R, AP/EEE |
| Objectives of the Workshop | |
| The primary objectives of the workshop were: To create awareness among students and faculty about the importance of prototype validation in the process of innovation and product development.To provide insights into how validated prototypes can bridge the gap between an idea and a market‑ready product.To encourage entrepreneurial thinking by demonstrating how validated prototypes can be transformed into successful start‑ups.To expose participants to real‑world case studies and experiences shared by industry experts in innovation and start‑up ecosystems | |
Synopsis of the Event
Introduction:
The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and the Department of Biomedical Engineering of SRMIST, Ramapuram Campus jointly organized an insightful workshop on Innovation in Prototype Validation-Converting Innovation into a Start‑up.
The event aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industrial practices by focusing on the crucial stage of prototype validation in the innovation cycle. The session was conducted with the objective of inspiring students and faculty to move beyond conventional learning, encouraging them to validate their innovative ideas and transform them into viable start‑ups. The workshop witnessed active participation from students and faculty members, creating a vibrant platform for learning and interaction. Around 80 students from department of EEE and BME participated in this workshop.
Introduction of the Chief Guest:
The workshop was graced by the presence of Mr. Britto Shibi, Co‑Founder & Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Airvue, a Chennai‑based start‑up innovating solutions for indoor air quality improvement.
Mr. Britto Shibi is a renowned technologist and an entrepreneur known for his expertise in product development, prototype validation, and translating innovative ideas into market‑ready products. With hands‑on experience in designing solutions that address critical environmental and health challenges, he has been instrumental in shaping Airvue’s growth from a concept stage to a successful start‑up.
In his address, Mr. Britto Shibi shared valuable insights on the journey of converting validated prototypes into commercially sustainable start‑ups. He discussed real‑world challenges faced during prototype testing and market validation, and highlighted how perseverance, technical refinement, and
strategic planning lead to successful entrepreneurship. His talk not only offered practical guidance but also motivated the participants to think creatively, adopt innovative methodologies, and work toward building solutions that can make a societal impact.
Key Insights Shared by the Guest Speaker:
Market Testing for Product Validation
Mr. Britto Shibi discussed the importance of market testing and customer feedback in product development, emphasizing the need to validate prototypes before full-scale production. He explained that companies often use a small group of volunteers for testing, focusing on gathering feedback on pricing and market viability. Britto also highlighted the use of various validation tools and platforms, including software design validation, analytics, and industrial-grade testing. He stressed the importance of thorough market research and analysis before prototyping, citing examples of companies like News Corp and PIN that saved significant resources by stopping unviable projects early.
Air Purifier Development and Impact
Mr. Britto Shibi discussed the development and impact of an air purifier with 7-stage filtration, highlighting its energy efficiency and potential social impact in reducing illnesses caused by air pollution. He mentioned that over 500 units of air purifiers and 100 units of air quality monitors have been sold, and new products are planned for release in the coming months to address winter needs. Britto emphasized the importance of strategic planning, understanding customer needs, and continuous iteration in product design to effectively target different markets, such as hospitals, households, and industries.
Mr. Britto Shibi delivered a presentation on indoor agriculture solutions and encouraged questions about start-ups, technology, and funding.
Highlights of the Workshop:
- Innovation and prototype validation – Converting innovation into a startup
- The innovation cycle: ideation, proof of concept, prototype, validation, start-ups.
- Market validation before building products.
- Prototype testing and feedback collection.
- Minimum viable product (MVP) development.
- Startup challenges and success factors
- 90% of startups fail, 42% don’t have market fit.
- Importance of validating ideas before development.
- Strategic planning for start ups.
- Understanding target customers and pricing strategies.
- Air quality solutions by Arview (formerly Medcuore)
- Air quality monitoring, purification, and enhancement products.
- 7-stage filtration air purifier (patented, energy-efficient).
- Products for different markets (hospitals, offices, households).
- Company’s sales achievements (500+ air purifiers, 100+ monitors).
Outcomes of the Workshop
- Enhanced Knowledge on Prototype Validation
Participants gained a clear understanding of the process of validating prototypes and aligning them with customer needs and market requirements.
- Insight into Innovation-to-Start‑up Journey
Students and faculty understood the critical steps involved in converting an innovative idea into a viable business model.
- Exposure to Real‑World Challenges
The speaker’s practical examples provided exposure to real‑time challenges faced during product development and market entry.
Conclusion
The workshop on Innovation in Prototype Validation – Converting Innovation into a Start‑uporganized by the Departments of EEE and BME at SRMIST Ramapuram on 18th July 2025 was a resounding success.
The session by Mr. Britto Shibi, Co‑founder & CTO of Airvue, provided valuable insights into bridging the gap between innovation and entrepreneurship.
Participants not only learnt the importance of prototype validation in the product development cycle but also understood how innovative ideas can be nurtured into sustainable start‑ups. The interactive discussions, real‑world examples, and industry perspectives have inspired students and faculty to think creatively and also explore interdisciplinary collaborations, and develop an entrepreneurial mind-set.
