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 center aims to train young professionals in high-growth sectors like semiconductor manufacturing, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.
The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), in collaboration with PDEU, has set up this facility to provide hands-on training in cutting-edge technologies and advanced manufacturing, supporting India’s push for self-reliance and technological leadership.
Speaking at the event, Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, called for deeper ties between educational institutions and industry. He encouraged universities to strengthen alumni networks, stating that such relationships are key drivers of innovation and leadership development.
“Alumni are vital not just for fundraising, but for providing direction and mentorship to institutions. Many global universities have dedicated teams for alumni engagement, and Indian institutions can benefit from adopting similar practices,” said Chaudhary, who also holds the role of MoS for Education.
Highlighting the role of universities in innovation, he added, “In many developed nations, the most impactful ideas originate from academic institutions. Patents are often co-owned by students and faculty, thanks to strong university-industry partnerships. We need to build such systems here.”
The new Centre of Excellence will offer over 40 programs in online and hybrid formats. Courses will span multiple disciplines including semiconductors, smart manufacturing, AI, machine learning, blockchain, embedded systems, robotics, cloud computing, and VLSI design.
Training in semiconductor technology has already begun, with more specialized labs in clean energy and smart tech being added to expand capabilities, according to the official statement. Professor Sundar S. Manoharan, Director General of PDEU, shared that the center will also prepare talent for Micron Technology’s upcoming semiconductor assembly plant in Sanand, near Ahmedabad.
Beyond semiconductors, the center will provide training in critical sectors such as healthcare, water management, food production, and seat manufacturing—bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industrial requirements. The programs will include 225 hours of hands-on learning, integrated with academic credit under the National Credit Framework, ensuring students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical industry experience.
A dedicated semiconductor packaging unit at PDEU will train students in key areas such as chip encapsulation and back-end processes—skills vital to supporting India’s growing semiconductor industry. To oversee operations and ensure long-term sustainability, a Section 8 company will be formed under joint ownership of PDEU and the NSDC Trust.
This entity will manage the center, offer industry-driven training, and support curriculum innovation. Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC, said the center is designed to serve as a model of collaboration between academia and industry, preparing a skilled workforce aligned with national development goals.
