Gandhinagar: Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary launched a Centre of Excellence (CoE), jointly set up by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) at Gandhinagar.

The Centre will be equipped with advanced manufacturing capabilities labs to provide specialised training. The centre will offer over 40 online and hybrid courses in sectors such as semiconductors manufacturing, renewable and non-renewables energy, digital edge, smart manufacturing, and more.

A Memorandum of Association (MoA) was signed earlier this month between NSDC and PDEU in this regard. These courses will cater to students from ITI, Diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs. The curriculum is designed to equip learners from Tier-1, Tier-2 and Tier-3 institutes with hands-on experience in niche manufacturing skill sets across critical sectors, including energy, health, water and food.

Speaking during the launch, Jayant Chaudhary said, “Universities are not just institutions of learning—they are dynamic bridges that connect young minds to the ever-evolving demands of the real world. By imparting both technical expertise and liberal knowledge, they empower students to think critically, innovate boldly, and adapt effectively. In this journey of youth development, Gujarat has emerged as a trailblazer, playing a pivotal role in transforming its educational landscape. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, industry collaboration, and holistic growth, the universities are nurturing a generation that is not only career-ready but also conscious, creative, and committed to nation-building.”

He also said that now the universities across the country should proactively be aligned with industry’s need and thereafter skill youth accordingly. “We have to enable universities to do innovation. It will help nation in growth. Currently private companies are innovating in various fields with of purpose of making profits. But when it is done by universities, it is for the growth of the nation.”

Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, said, “At NSDC, our core mission is to make youth employable, and this collaboration will strengthen the skilling ecosystem. This collaboration will support the development of training infrastructure in smart manufacturing, along with Centres of Excellence focused on automotive, EV charging, renewable energy, and semiconductors. Training in the semiconductor domain is already underway, paving the way for youth to gain practical exposure in high-demand, future-oriented fields. NSDC is placing a strong emphasis on global certification programmes that enable Indian students to access world-class skills and compete confidently in the international job market. We are dedicated to making India’s youth employable, entrepreneurial, and future-ready.”

This CoE will serve as a hub for hands-on learning, R&D, and real-time industry engagement in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, embedded systems, and VLSI design, directly addressing the talent needs of these sectors. It will act as a crucible for developing specialised skills aligned with the national priorities of sustainable development and energy security. Students will be trained to become “Energy Ambassadors for the Nation.”

PDEU Director General S Sundar Manoharan said, “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, with Centres of Excellence playing a vital role in realizing the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.”

NSDC will play a key role in the smooth functioning of the CoE and in the seamless delivery of programmes to students. It will periodically monitor project progress to ensure that students receive quality training and are prepared for future job roles.

PDEU, will leverage its expertise in different verticals, including solar and wind energy, lithium and vanadium energy storage, carbon capture and smart hybrid grids to prepare students for careers in these fields. It will empower students with industry-standard manufacturing lines, including the “45 MW Solar PV Manufacturing Line” and the ATMP Semiconductor Packaging Line. DeshGujarat