In a significant step toward future-proofing India’s workforce, Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary on Monday inaugurated the PDEU-NSDC Centre of Excellence for Skill Development at Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) in Gandhinagar. The newly launched semiconductor and AI skill center is designed to train young professionals in high-demand sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, AI, robotics, renewable energy, and smart tech.
The initiative is a result of a joint effort between PDEU and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and is aligned with India’s broader mission of self-reliance in technology and global competitiveness in advanced manufacturing.
Training the Next-Gen Workforce in Smart Technologies
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary, speaking at the inauguration, emphasized the urgent need for stronger connections between academia and industry. He noted that Indian universities should build active alumni networks similar to global institutions to boost mentorship and innovation.
“Alumni engagement is a game-changer. They guide institutions not only in funding but in driving innovation,” Chaudhary said, highlighting how international universities leverage their alumni to co-own patents and push research.
The PDEU NSDC collaboration aims to replicate this success by embedding cutting-edge skill development within academia. The center will offer over 40 skill programs through hybrid and online formats, with training areas ranging from AI, machine learning, cloud computing, embedded systems, blockchain, and robotics to VLSI design.
Bridging Industry Gaps with Real-World Training
The flagship courses will include 225 hours of hands-on learning, integrated with theoretical modules under the National Credit Framework. Students will graduate with industry-relevant experience, bridging the long-standing gap between textbook learning and real-world demands.
According to Professor Sundar S. Manoharan, Director General of PDEU, the semiconductor and AI skill center will also support the upcoming Micron Technology assembly plant in Sanand by creating a pipeline of skilled professionals.
Dedicated facilities for semiconductor packaging, chip encapsulation, and back-end processes have already been set up. These are crucial components of semiconductor manufacturing training, ensuring that students are ready for real-world operations.
Sustainable Industry-Academic Model
To maintain operational sustainability, a Section 8 company will be jointly formed by PDEU and the NSDC Trust. This entity will oversee the center’s day-to-day functions, ensuring that training remains industry-driven and updated with the latest technological advancements.
Speaking at the launch, NSDC CEO Ved Mani Tiwari highlighted the center as a model for nationwide replication. “This facility is built to be a national benchmark in academic-industry collaboration, empowering youth and supporting India’s digital and manufacturing ambitions,” he said.
Looking ahead, PDEU plans to extend its reach into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, tapping into emerging regional talent pools. This aligns with the government’s goal of decentralizing tech education and making high-skill training accessible beyond metro cities.
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