Gandhinagar: In a significant push towards enhancing India’s skill ecosystem, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship & Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, inaugurated a cutting-edge Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The centre has been jointly developed by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and PDEU to provide advanced training in future-ready technologies.
The newly launched CoE aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs by offering hands-on training, hybrid learning modules, and real-time exposure in high-demand sectors such as semiconductors, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital technologies. More than 40 specialized courses—both online and hybrid—will be made available to students from ITI, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs across Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3 institutes.
Speaking at the launch, Jayant Chaudhary underlined the transformative role of universities in shaping India’s future workforce. “Universities are not merely centres of academic learning—they are transformative bridges connecting young minds to the dynamic realities of the world. Gujarat has emerged as a frontrunner in this journey, reshaping its higher education landscape through a strong focus on academic rigor, industry partnerships, and holistic development,” he said.
He further emphasized the need for academic institutions to evolve in tandem with global technological trends. “We must empower our universities to become engines of innovation—not just to serve market needs, but to advance national growth. When universities lead innovation, it is driven by purpose—for the benefit of society and the nation at large,” Chaudhary added.
The CoE will feature state-of-the-art labs and training infrastructure focused on semiconductors, embedded systems, advanced manufacturing, VLSI design, and clean energy. It is designed not only to boost employability but also to contribute to sustainable development and energy security. Students trained here will be groomed as “Energy Ambassadors for the Nation,” with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and global certification programmes.
Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, stated that the collaboration marks a major milestone in India’s skilling ecosystem. “At NSDC, our core mission is to make youth employable, and this collaboration will strengthen the skilling ecosystem. Training in the semiconductor domain is already underway, paving the way for youth to gain practical exposure in high-demand, future-oriented fields,” he said.
He highlighted the centre’s role in equipping India’s youth to lead the global energy revolution through training in renewable, non-renewable, and hydrogen energy technologies. “This initiative ensures nationwide access, bridging gaps and empowering students across the country. It’s more than skill development—it’s nation building,” Tiwari added.
The NSDC will play a key role in ensuring the seamless operation of the CoE by monitoring training quality and programme delivery. It will also help maintain alignment with international standards and national priorities.
PDEU Director General, S Sundar Manoharan, affirmed the university’s commitment to supporting national missions like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat. “Aligning seamlessly with the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his mission to empower youth and advance skill development across India, PDEU is committed to empower countless individuals nationwide,” he said.
He also underscored the Gujarat Government’s strategic investment in Centres of Excellence and their contribution to strengthening India’s position as a global innovation hub, particularly in the field of semiconductors.
PDEU’s advanced facilities, including a “45 MW Solar PV Manufacturing Line” and the ATMP Semiconductor Packaging Line, will offer students hands-on learning opportunities in energy storage, carbon capture, and hybrid grids—sectors critical to India’s energy transition and industrial advancement.
The partnership between NSDC and PDEU represents a transformative leap towards building a future-ready, skilled workforce. It is poised to accelerate the Make-in-India movement and drive India’s progress as a global leader in technology, innovation, and sustainable development.
