The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed an MoU with Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) to establish a cutting-edge Centre of Excellence for Skill Development. Announced at the Startup Mahakumbh in New Delhi, the partnership aims to provide hands-on training in high-demand sectors like semiconductors, energy, health, and food.
The Centre will offer over 40 online and hybrid courses in emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, VLSI Design, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Smart Manufacturing. It aligns with the Skill India Mission, NEP 2020, and the National Credit Framework, integrating vocational education within academia. The new ATMP Semiconductor Packaging Centre at PDEU will also provide training in back-end packaging and encapsulation. NSDC CEO Ved Mani Tiwari said the initiative supports smart manufacturing and renewable energy skilling. PDEU Director General Dr. S. Sundar Manoharan added that experiential learning of up to 225 hours will now count towards academic credits.
In Guwahati, industry leaders and academic institutions have welcomed the move, anticipating a surge in demand for trained professionals across manufacturing hubs in Assam. The model is expected to inspire similar skill-driven academic-industry linkages in the region. A jointly owned Section 8 company will manage the CoE, ensuring sustainability and scalability while promoting Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.