More

Social Media

Facebook-f Twitter Youtube Instagram
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
My Cart
Light
Dark

CoDE Studio Launch Enhances Design-led Innovation Support for MSMEs and Startups in India

Comments (0)
design-led innovation support for MSMEs and startups in India
Spread the love

IIT Hyderabad’s CoDE Studio inauguration promotes design-led innovation support for MSMEs and startups in India, empowering entrepreneurs and students.

The Centre of Design Excellence (CoDE) at IIT Hyderabad has recently inaugurated its state-of-the-art CoDE Studio, marking a significant step towards advancing design-led innovation support for MSMEs and startups in India. The launch event took place on January 8, 2026, with the presence of Shri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana, along with Professor B.S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, and Dr. Prasad S. Onkar, Principal Investigator of CoDE and Associate Professor, Department of Design, IIT Hyderabad.

The establishment of CoDE Studio aligns with the government’s Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative, receiving funding support from both the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and the Government of Telangana. This studio is envisioned as a comprehensive hub for design-led innovation, focusing on empowering MSMEs, startups, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and students with entrepreneurial ambitions.

Vision and Objectives of CoDE Studio

The primary goal of CoDE Studio is to strengthen design-led innovation support for MSMEs and startups in India, fostering a culture of creativity and sustainable industrial development. The studio will serve as both an operational hub for CoDE and a dedicated training centre for skill development in design-related domains.

Key objectives include:

  • Skill development workshops: CoDE will offer workshops across various design disciplines, equipping MSMEs and startups with cutting-edge knowledge.
  • Industry-academia collaboration: By linking students, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, CoDE facilitates practical learning and innovation.
  • Entrepreneurial incubation: Startups can access mentorship, business registration guidance, and intellectual property rights (IPR) support.
  • Hackathons and conferences: These events aim to boost innovation, networking, and exposure to emerging design trends.
  • Craft documentation initiatives: Preserving traditional crafts while integrating modern design techniques.

Such initiatives are expected to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs and startups by embedding design thinking into products, processes, and business models.

Role in Promoting Entrepreneurship and MSME Growth

The launch of CoDE Studio is particularly timely given the rapid expansion of startups and MSMEs in India. According to the Ministry of MSME, small and medium enterprises contribute over 30% to India’s GDP and employ millions nationwide. By offering design-led innovation support, CoDE Studio will strengthen the capability of these enterprises to compete globally and innovate sustainably.

In addition, the studio will support freelancers and student innovators, providing them with access to mentorship, workshops, and incubation programs. This approach aligns with global trends where design-driven innovation is a key differentiator in competitive industries.

Training and Skill Development Programs

The CoDE Studio will serve as a dedicated platform for skill development and design training, offering programs such as:

  • Hands-on design workshops on product development, prototyping, and UX/UI design.
  • Entrepreneurial mentorship programs to guide MSMEs and startups on strategy, funding, and market positioning.
  • IPR and patent filing support, helping innovators protect their intellectual assets.
  • Networking events and conferences to connect MSMEs with potential partners, investors, and research collaborators.

These programs are designed to ensure that startups and MSMEs gain practical, industry-relevant skills while fostering a culture of innovation.

Expert Insights on the Initiative

Dr. Prasad S. Onkar, Principal Investigator of CoDE, highlighted the transformational impact of the studio:

“Our mission is to empower MSMEs and startups by integrating design thinking into every stage of product and business development. CoDE Studio will be the bridge connecting academic expertise with real-world entrepreneurial needs.”

Shri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting design-led initiatives:

“By investing in design-driven innovation hubs like CoDE Studio, Telangana is nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and skilled professionals who can compete on a global scale.”

Enhancing Competitiveness Through Design Thinking

Embedding design thinking into business models helps MSMEs and startups enhance creativity, streamline operations, and improve product-market fit. CoDE Studio’s programs are structured to ensure participants learn not only design principles but also practical applications in business, technology, and manufacturing.

Key benefits include:

  • Faster product development cycles
  • Reduced costs through efficient design processes
  • Stronger brand identity and market differentiation
  • Increased access to funding and partnerships

Through these benefits, CoDE Studio aims to strengthen the Indian MSME ecosystem and cultivate sustainable innovation.

Supporting Startups, Students, and Freelancers

The studio’s inclusive approach ensures that it caters to a wide spectrum of users:

  1. Startups: Receive incubation, mentorship, and access to prototyping labs.
  2. Students: Participate in workshops, hackathons, and research projects.
  3. Freelancers: Gain opportunities for collaboration, skill enhancement, and exposure to industry projects.

This multi-faceted approach makes CoDE Studio a central hub for design-led innovation support for MSMEs and startups in India.

Government and Industry Collaboration

CoDE Studio exemplifies strong government-industry-academia collaboration. Initiatives such as the RAMP program emphasize strategic support to MSMEs, facilitating better performance and long-term sustainability.

External partnerships with industry leaders, research organizations, and global design networks further enhance the learning ecosystem. This collaboration ensures that startups and MSMEs benefit from world-class expertise while retaining their unique innovation potential.

About IIT Hyderabad

Established in 2008, IIT Hyderabad (IITH) has rapidly emerged as a leading institution in academics, research, and technological innovation. Some notable achievements include:

  • Ranked 7th among engineering institutes in NIRF 2025
  • Top 10 in innovation rankings nationally
  • Over 5,700 students with strong research focus
  • 710+ patents filed, with 249 patents in 2025
  • 335+ startups, generating 1,100+ jobs and Rs. 1,500+ crore in revenue

With a strong emphasis on inventing and innovating in technology for humanity, IIT Hyderabad provides a fertile environment for design-driven entrepreneurial ventures.

Future Outlook

With the CoDE Studio operational, IIT Hyderabad and Telangana are expected to drive substantial growth in the design and startup ecosystem. By fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development, this initiative will:

  • Promote MSME competitiveness
  • Enhance student employability
  • Support the growth of startups across India
  • Encourage sustainable and socially responsible business practices

The impact on the regional economy and the national startup ecosystem is projected to be significant, positioning India as a hub for design-driven innovation.

Internal & External Resources for Students and Entrepreneurs

To further support learning and innovation, participants can access resources:

Toppers Use Mind Maps to score more than 95%

Purchase Today

FAQs on CoDE Studio and Design-led Innovation Support

  1. What is CoDE Studio at IIT Hyderabad?
    CoDE Studio is a design facility supporting design-led innovation support for MSMEs and startups in India, offering workshops, mentorship, and incubation.
  2. Who can benefit from CoDE Studio?
    MSMEs, startups, students, entrepreneurs, and freelancers can access training, mentorship, and design support.
  3. Which government initiative supports CoDE Studio?
    The studio is funded under the RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) initiative by the Ministry of MSME and Telangana Government.
  4. What skill development programs does CoDE Studio offer?
    Programs include design workshops, hackathons, IPR filing support, entrepreneurial mentorship, and networking opportunities.
  5. How does CoDE Studio promote entrepreneurship?
    By offering incubation, mentorship, business registration assistance, and design-based innovation guidance.
  6. Can students participate in CoDE Studio activities?
    Yes, students can attend workshops, hackathons, and design projects to gain practical skills.
  7. Does CoDE Studio support IPR filing for startups?
    Yes, it provides guidance and support for intellectual property registration and patent filing.
  8. What are the benefits of design-led innovation for MSMEs?
    Improved competitiveness, faster product development, cost efficiency, and market differentiation.
  9. How does CoDE Studio enhance industry-academia collaboration?
    By connecting students, startups, and industry experts to promote hands-on learning and innovation.
  10. Where can I find more resources for entrepreneurs and students?
    Internal resources include NCERT courses, notes, mind maps, videos, and current affairs content; external support is available via Mart India Infotech.