IACMI recognized for its Innocrate program
It is a comprehensive educational toolkit designed to introduce composites to students at K-12 levels.
The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) has been honored with the American Composites Manufacturing Association’s (ACE) “Infinite Possibility for Market Growth Award” presented at the 2024 Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX) in San Diego.
This prestigious recognition celebrates Innocrate, IACMI’s comprehensive educational toolkit designed to introduce composites to students at K-12 levels, aiming to shape the next generation of engineers, designers, and innovators. The project was represented by Uday Vaidya, IACMI Chief Technology Officer, and a team of students from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility.
The Infinite Possibility for Market Growth Award is presented to a composites product that demonstrates the potential to significantly increase the use of composites in existing markets or generate the greatest impact to open new and emerging markets. Innocrate addresses a critical gap in composites education, as exposure to these advanced materials is largely absent at the K-12 level in the U.S.
Developed by IACMI, Innocrate is a kit of ‘learn by doing’ educational content packaged in a flexible format tailored for various grade levels, from elementary through high school. It includes a wide range of elements, such as training for educators, hands-on activities, activity books, virtual reality (VR) assistance, web-based training, and a flexible curriculum designed to engage young minds with composites in an interactive and accessible way. To date, more than 2,000 students have benefitted from this initiative, gaining critical exposure to the field of composites at an early and formative stage of their education.
“Exposure to composites is crucial for shaping future career pathways, yet it often starts far too late,” said Vaidya. “Innocrate is designed to change that by bringing composites education into classrooms at all grade levels, providing hands-on, engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity and inspire the next generation. We are thrilled to receive this award, which validates our efforts to revolutionize how young people learn about and engage with composites.”
As composites become increasingly vital in industries ranging from automotive to aerospace, IACMI’s initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on the field by equipping students with the foundational knowledge and skills they need to succeed. IACMI is also developing Innocrate kits that focus on metallurgy.
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