NSDC International Ltd., a subsidiary of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), has acquired a 10% stake in Startup Stairs Pvt. Ltd., a venture led by AVPL International promoters. This investment highlights NSDC International’s commitment to advancing entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas, and fostering innovation in sectors such as drones, electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics.
Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, remarked, “By investing in Startup Stairs, we are reinforcing our commitment to empowering rural entrepreneurs and driving innovation across the country. Our goal is to nurture around 100,000 rural entrepreneurs and create an ecosystem where skills and creativity come together to produce sustainable solutions. This partnership is not just about financial support; it’s about helping entrepreneurs access the tools and guidance they need to succeed.”
Deep Sihag Sisai, Founder and Director of Startup Stairs and AVPL International, stated, “At Startup Stairs, a DPIIT-recognized incubator, we are dedicated to supporting innovation in emerging sectors like drones, EVs, AI, robotics, and AR/VR. With the launch of our platform, Drone Planet, we are providing mentorship, networking, and marketing opportunities for drone startups. Our vision is to expand this initiative and transform it into a Unicorn by introducing similar platforms for other sectors.”
Startup Stairs focuses on incubating drone entrepreneurs by offering expertise, resources, and funding in exchange for equity. The company’s Drone Planet platform will host startup hackathons every 3-6 months, giving participants access to expert advice and valuable networks. As part of the collaboration, NSDC International will provide its expertise in skilling and marketing, while Startup Stairs will offer seed-stage acceleration, market strategies, legal support, finance, and product development guidance.
This partnership supports the government’s goal of fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in India. By addressing the need for reskilling and upskilling in a digitally-driven business environment, NSDC International and Startup Stairs aim to empower young entrepreneurs, promote innovation, and contribute to India’s economic growth. The initiative is expected to create 100,000 rural entrepreneurs, helping meet the demand for skilled professionals.
Supporting the Indian Government’s Skill India Mission, NSDC is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) that facilitates the development of a robust vocational training ecosystem. Since its inception, NSDC has trained over 30 million people through collaborations with training partners across India. The corporation also manages key skill development programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
NSDC International is focused on realizing Skill India’s international goals, positioning India as a global leader in skilled talent. It aims to provide overseas job opportunities, enhance career mobility for Indians, and create a high-quality skill ecosystem recognized internationally. Startup Stairs Pvt. Ltd., a DPIIT-recognized incubator, is an initiative of AVPL International dedicated to fostering startups in the drone, EV, AI, and robotics sectors, offering mentorship and resources to help entrepreneurs grow and succeed.
