Innovation & Design Programme: Freshman Information
Welcome to the NUS Innovation & Design Programme (iDP)!
Whether you are already enrolled in iDP as a freshman or you are interested to join iDP in the coming semesters, we invite you to find out more about iDP. We welcome students from all disciplines to be part of iDP. Learn about our curriculum, projects that you can work on, and your seniors' experience in iDP. Also, join us at our upcoming events!
What is iDP?
The iDP aims to nurture students who are passionate about design, engineering, and entrepreneurship as apply their knowledge and skills to solve problems or design new products, services, and experiences. In the iDP, students from different disciplines learn various tools and processes for ideation and design by working together on hands-on projects that have real-world impact. Those who are keen on entrepreneurship are encouraged to further develop their projects for commercialisation. The iDP is designed for students who aspire to be technopreneurs or are keen on hands-on project work.
The iDP is open to students from all disciplines as a Second Major or Minor in Innovation & Design. Students who complete the iDP will graduate with the Second Major or Minor along with a primary major from their own discipline.
What you will learn in iDP
The iDP curriculum brings students through an enriching journey in design and innovation. The learning journey begins with fundamental courses that introduce students to basic concepts in innovation and design, and culminates in a major design project and a final year project where students are expected to apply their design knowledge and skills to develop solutions to real problems. Students will also take a number of electives to widen their knowledge about topics in design, business, and entrepreneurship.
Find out more about the requirements of the Second Major and Minor, as well as courses offered by iDP:
Projects you can work on in iDP
Innovation needs a team-based process to succeed. From day one, iDP students learn to work together on their projects with peers from different disciplines and are mentored by faculty members with diverse backgrounds. Projects in iDP are open-ended and span diverse themes. The iDP is also home to many multidisciplinary competition projects.
Innovating for Better Healthcare
In this theme, students work on projects to develop solutions for healthcare needs in hospitals and the community.
Innovating for Future Mobility
In this theme, students design future mobility solutions and novel vehicles for people and goods.
Innovating for Smarter Living
In this theme, students design smart solutions that leverage on Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and automation to enhance everyday life, work, and play.
Innovating for Sustainable Cities
In this theme, students work on projects to develop solutions to tackle challenges of urbanisation and sustainability.
Innovating with Immersive Reality
In this theme, students develop applications using virtual reality and augmented reality to meet different needs.
Innovations in Intelligent Systems
In this theme, students design complex engineering systems and automations for various applications.
Innovations in Space Systems
In this theme, students design our next generations of Galassia nanosatellites as well as work on projects for international space competitions such as the University Rover Challenge and the CanSat Competition.
Bumblebee
Bumblebee is a student-run, multi-disciplinary robotics team. The Bumblebee team designs and builds Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) to navigate across oceans independently, from the shore line and the water surface, to deep waters.
NUS Calibur Robotics
NUS Calibur Robotics is a student-run team comprising members hailing different academic disciplines, working together to develop multiple robots to compete in the DJI RoboMaster University Championships – the ultimate robot death match.
NUS Formula SAE
In NUS Formula SAE, we design and fabricate a formula-style single seater car to take part in FSAE Michigan, one of the toughest inter-varsity competitions where we compete against some of the best universities around the world in both static engineering judging and dynamic time trials.
What do our students say about iDP?
Students in iDP come from diverse disciplines within the College of Design and Engineering as well as other Faculties/Schools in NUS. Hear from our current students about why they decided to join iDP, the projects they are working on, and what they think about their experience in iDP so far.
Arts and Social Sciences
Fathinah Al-Husna Subhan, Ho Ee Hsuen and Baid Samyak
Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering (opens in new tab)
Vanessa-Ashley Teong and Chan Pak Hong
Materials Science & Engineering and Chemical Engineering (opens in new tab)
Ravichandran Harini and Tan Mei Ling, Felicia
Intrigued to Innovate: The Podcast
Every innovation journey begins with a spark. Intrigued to Innovate shines the spotlight on students and guests who have successfully transformed that spark into real-world innovation. Hosted by Dr Jovan Tan, the podcast reveals the untold stories of student innovators, highlighting their challenges, breakthroughs, and key moments of discover.
Each episode showcases inspiring stories of student innovators tackling complex, real-world challenges through creative, interdisciplinary solutions. Here, Dr Jovan Tan learns from them, gaining insight into the fresh perspectives and creative problem-solving approaches that they bring to the table. The series also occasionally features thought leaders in innovation, design, and entrepreneurship, offering listeners a blend of student-driven stories and expert insights that together paint a holistic picture of innovation in action.
Whether you’re a first-year student curious about innovation, or a seasoned creator eager to learn from peer mentors, tune in to Intrigued to Innovate for authentic, insightful stories grounded in real experience.
Upcoming events
Join us at our upcoming events to engage with us and find out more about iDP!
GEAR UP! for 3301
21 October 2026
Join us at this event to learn more about the projects that are offered for the next run of CDE3301 Ideas to Proof-of-Concept in 2027. Our project supervisors and industry partners will be present to tell you more about the many interesting projects they are offering for CDE3301.
No registration is required for this event.
EDIC Project Showcase Nov 2026
13 November 2026
We organise a project showcase at the end of every semester to celebrate the completion of our year-long student projects in CDE3301 Ideas to Proof-of-Concept, CDE4301 Innovation & Design Capstone, and CDE4301A Ideas to Start-up. Come and see the projects from CDE3301 at this semester's showcase!
Note: Watch this space for the registration link.
Past events
CDE Freshman Welcome (opens in new tab)
17 July 2026
At this CDE-wide event, learn about academic and student life resources in CDE as well as details of the curriculum for your primary major. Also, attend the iDP talk and visit our project booths between 12 pm and 2 pm.
Week 0 prototyping workshops
3-7 August 2026
Interested to learn about different prototyping techniques and get hands-on training in common prototyping tools? Join our prototyping workshops to find out more! Our workshops are open to all NUS students.
iDP Experience Day
12 August 2026
Find out more about the iDP curriculum at this event, hear from your seniors in iDP about their experience, and get to know other students in the iDP community. Also, get an exclusive iDP merchandise and special treat at the event!
IDEATE 2026 (opens in new tab)
15 August 2026 to 21 October 2026
IDEATE is iDP's flagship annual makerthon that is open to all NUS undergraduates. Over 10 weeks, participants will form teams to identify a real-world problem and build a working prototype of a solution to address the problem. Teams that pass a preliminary design review will exhibit their prototypes at the semi-finals will then pitch for a share of the prize pool on the finals stage.
Meccha Chameleon: Staircase Escape Challenge
26 August 2026
Ready to put your creative design and stealth skills to the test? Join us for an epic hands-on challenge where engineering meets visual deception! Construct a non-powered mechanical device using only cardboard and simple stationery to launch/transport a miniature figure into the target zone at the top of the staircase, and paint your custom figure to blend into the staircase arena and trick the opposing team. Prizes will be awarded to team with best performance, most innovative design, and most deceptive meccha chameleons!
iDP Immersion Tour
31 August 2026
Do you know that iDP has many facilities and equipment to support your prototyping work? Join the tour to find out more about our prototyping services, and bring home a personalised keychain made using our very own laser cutters!
TEA(M) UP! for 3301
16 September 2026
Looking for teammates for the next run of CDE3301 Ideas to Proof-of-Concept in 2027? Join our casual mixer and meet potential teammates before the course begins. Come with an idea — or without one. Meet people over light bites, share possibilities, and maybe leave with your CDE3301 team!
Recess Week prototyping workshops
21-25 September 2026
Missed the prototyping workshops on Week 0? Don't worry, we will have more workshops lined up during Recess Week!
How you can join iDP
There is no additional requirement for admission into iDP other an enrolment in any primary major in NUS. We welcome applicants from all disciplines who are enthusiastic to be part of our unique learning experience!
Submit your application now if you are planning to enrol in one of our courses next semester!
Get in touch with us!
If you have questions about iDP, feel free to drop us an email at idp-query@nus.edu.sg.