Technology and Development Solutions Cell
Before UMA, the foundations were laid at CTARA, IIT Bombay through the Technology and Development Solutions Cell (TDSC) — a resource centre for providing technology-based solutions for the development sector. TDSC provided resources and services to undertake projects that deliver outputs via academic research, consulting, outreach modules, and entrepreneurship guidance.
TDSC's defining principle was to use the academic platform to engage students directly in development-related problems and solutions — not merely as external consultants, but as learners embedded in real contexts. The resources of the centre were designed to be leveraged by faculty and students of IIT Bombay and other colleges to provide solutions to the community and various development stakeholders.
Key early work included the Jaltantra tool for optimization of piped water schemes, training for Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) engineers, collaboration with Zilla Parishad Palghar, a compendium on design and analysis of piped water supply schemes (released by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra), and courses for TISS Tuljapur on WASH. Each of these planted seeds that would later grow into UMA's formal structure.
IIT Bombay's own T&DC — the TDSC — became the model for the Technology and Development Cells (T&DCs) that each participating college under UMA is required to establish.
Founding & First Government Resolution
UMA formally launched in January 2016 through a Government Resolution, Maharashtra. Twelve private engineering colleges empaneled by July 2017. Workshops on rural water supply and electricity in agriculture begin. The program is housed at CTARA, IIT Bombay.
GIS, WRD Partnership & Water Compendium
Taluka-level training for water budget calculation under Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan in Palghar. Collaboration with Zilla Parishad Palghar begins. Compendium on Design and Analysis of Piped Water Supply Schemes released by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. WRD issues GR to involve local colleges in consultancy.
State Funding Begins
Government of Maharashtra begins formal funding of UMA. Colleges assess village plans under Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan. Workshop on regional water balance and recent floods in Kolhapur-Sangli-Satara organized jointly with Walchand College of Engineering.
Pandemic Adaptation & Gram Panchayat Support
UMA pivots to online engagement — webinars on Jaltantra and village development planning. Assists Gram Panchayats in Nanded, Jalgaon, and Amalner with Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs). Sector studies on organic jaggery, toy industry revival (Sawantwadi), and Ganjifa painting.
APAV Conceptualised & MSME Engagement
Aapale Prashna Aapale Vidnyan (APAV) conceived as a formal credit course framework. Demand-driven academic projects begin in earnest. MSME and rural livelihood studies piloted. Course materials in Marathi developed for the first time.
GIS Portal, Ratnagiri Pilot & APAV Rollout
GIS web portal built using census and infrastructure data. GIO (Geographic Information Officer) concept piloted in Ratnagiri — 122 villages GIS-mapped. APAV case study course runs at multiple colleges for the first time. First APAV Case Study Report published.
Scale, Partnerships & New Courses
APAV expands to 11+ colleges; nearly 5,000 students enrolled. GIO programme replicates in Dharashiv. Field internships run across Nanded, Yavatmal, Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, and Parbhani. Energy for Agriculture course launched. Regional faculty training workshops in Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Konkan.
9,600+ Students & Growing University Network
APAV reaches 15 participating institutes with nearly 9,600 students. Introduced as a credit course in 4+ universities (SPPU, Mumbai, KBCNMU, RTMNU) and various autonomous colleges. KIT Dharashiv interns present field work to the District Collector — well-received. Agricultural Information Officer and Energy Information Officer roles under development.