In order to achieve the stated objectives, a three step approach of developing a composite lab within an academic institution is proposed. We start this journey with a small step, i.e. the starting of a very simple composites laboratory, which is economically affordable, easily scalable and the end goal of which is to enable engineers to think, design, and work with composite materials.The main theme of the paper is to bridge the gap between industry and academia, specifically in the area of composites materials.