NSDC and Pandit Deendayal Energy University formalised their alliance through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the Startup Mahakumbh, April 5, 2025

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has partnered with Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) to launch a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence for skill development.

The initiative aims to equip learners with hands-on experience in manufacturing skill sets across critical sectors such as energy, semiconductors, health, water, seat manufacturing and food.

The two organisations formalised their alliance through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the Startup Mahakumbh.

The Centre of Excellence will focus on delivering specialised training in emerging technologies, including VLSI design, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, internet of things (IoT), data science, cloud computing, cyber security, smart manufacturing, blockchain etc.

With over 40 online and hybrid courses designed for students across ITI, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing Skill India Mission, National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and National Credit Framework by integrating vocational education and skill development into mainstream academia.

Innovation in RE tech

“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 CEO Ved Mani Tiwari said.

PDEU has empowered students by integrating industry-standard manufacturing lines within its academic campus, including a 45 MW solar PV manufacturing line and an ATMP semiconductor packaging line.

These facilities bridge the gap between academia and industry while fostering innovation in renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind energy, lithium and vanadium energy storage systems, carbon capture solutions, and smart hybrid grids.

“Our newly launched ATMP semiconductor packaging centre is designed to train students in back-end packaging, encapsulation, and other critical skills, creating a strong pipeline of industry-ready talent,” PDEU Director General S Sundar Manoharan said.

For the first time, experiential learning of up to 225 hours is being integrated into academic credits through the National Credit Framework, he added.

Centre of Excellence

Through this collaboration with NSDC, PDEU will further enhance its infrastructure by incorporating advanced manufacturing capabilities into the Centre of Excellence (CoE).

The CoE will serve as a hub for skill development programmes nationwide, targeting students from Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3 institutions. It is aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG-4 (Quality Education), SDG-7 (Affordable & Clean Energy), SDG-13 (Climate Action), and SDG-17 (Partnerships for Goals).

To ensure seamless operations and sustainability, a Section 8 company will be established as part of this initiative. Jointly owned by PDEU and NSDC Trust, this entity will manage the CoE’s activities while creating an independent revenue stream through course fees.

It will also support flagship national initiatives like Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat by preparing students for core manufacturing processes and fostering self-reliance in critical industries.

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Published on April 5, 2025