Karnataka Information Technology Minister, Priyank Kharge, announced that 100 engineering colleges in the state will be “adopted” by an equal number of corporates by next year.
This initiative is part of the ‘Nipuna Karnataka’ program, which seeks to equip students with in-demand skills through industry collaborations.
Practical Training and Industry Collaborations
Priyank emphasized the need for practical training to bridge the gap between education and employability.
“A big automobile company expressed readiness to provide jobs but highlighted that students lack the necessary training,” he said.
“We suggested they provide training, and we will create an environment for it. Taking a practical approach, they have asked us to provide a framework. So, 100 colleges will be adopted by 100 corporates or Global Capability Centres (GCCs) working in Karnataka as a start, probably by next academic year. They have given a commitment.”
Nipuna Karnataka Initiative
The ‘Nipuna Karnataka’ initiative has already seen collaborations with industry giants like IBM, Intel, Microsoft, NVIDIA, BFSI Consortium, and Accenture to drive skilling and workforce transformation.
Through these Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), Karnataka aims to train 1 lakh trainees in a span of one year.
At the recently concluded Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2024, Priyank announced the establishment of an AI centre of excellence.
This initiative is in collaboration with the IIT Alumni Centre Bengaluru.
This centre will provide incubation space to startups, skill and train in AI, and ensure they get market access.
“We will be tapping into the entire IIT alumni for artificial intelligence in the centre of excellence. It is one of the first of its kind in India and the first time that IIT is tying up with the state government for any centre of excellence of this kind,” he added.
Innovation and Startups in Karnataka
The summit also celebrated innovation with the launch of 50 groundbreaking products by startups.
These products spanned diverse sectors, including Clean-Tech, Med-Tech, Agri-Tech, AI, and Blockchain.
Many of these products were developed at K-tech Innovation Hubs and Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
They were also created at Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) supported by the Government of Karnataka.
Notably, 23 of the products were by women-led startups, emphasizing Karnataka’s commitment to inclusivity in innovation.
Priyank further highlighted that from next year, the Karnataka government will award startups for their excellence.
“Karnataka is going to be the first state to have its own startup awards,” he said.
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