The Directorate General of Training (DGT), operating under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has collaborated with the Aditya Birla Capital Foundation (ABCF) and Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS) of BITS Pilani to launch an Innovation and Start-up Challenge for students in all National Skills Training Institutes (NSTI) across India.
Innovation Challenge Details
The challenge, titled ‘Navonmesh Protsahan Spardha: Kaushalta se Udyamita’, aims to foster skill-based innovation among the 10,000+ students enrolled at 33 operational NSTIs nationwide. These institutes provide vocational training under schemes such as Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) and Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), catering also to a focus on women’s vocational education through designated NSTI(W).
Designed as the first-of-its-kind initiative in the technical and vocational education sector, the challenge provides mentoring, prizes, access to resources, and further incubation support to transform innovative ideas into viable enterprises. The program mainly concentrates on students with projects in IT/ITeS, Automotive, Apparel, Electronics & Hardware, Power, Capital Goods, and Manufacturing sectors.
Organizational Roles and Support
Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS), the incubator at BITS Pilani, manages the program, while ABCF supports it through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. The collaboration aims to convert trainees into job creators by channeling their technical expertise into entrepreneurial ventures.
About DGT and Partner Organizations: MSDE
The Directorate General of Training coordinates vocational training policy and quality assurance across over 14,500 ITIs, 33 NSTIs, and other institutes, focusing on modern trades including AI, IoT, Mechatronics, Renewable Energy, 3D Printing, and Drone Technology. It promotes industry-linked training and employability skills to prepare a future-ready workforce.
Aditya Birla Capital Foundation focuses on inclusive growth and supports programs mainly targeting women empowerment, healthcare, education, and sustainable livelihoods. Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society nurtures early-stage startups with deep-tech solutions and supports entrepreneurs, especially from Tier 2 and Tier 3 urban and rural areas of India.
Conclusion
This initiative marks a significant step in empowering India’s vocational students with innovation and entrepreneurial skills, contributing towards the government’s vision of an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, where skilled individuals become drivers of sustainable economic growth and job creation.
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Source: PIB
