The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), through its Directorate General of Training (DGT), has partnered with the Aditya Birla Capital Foundation (ABCF) and the Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS), the incubator of BITS Pilani, to launch “Navonmesh Protsahan Spardha: Kaushalta se Udyamita” — a nationwide innovation and start-up challenge for students of National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs).
This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among over 10,000 NSTI students across 33 institutes in India, enabling them to convert their technical skills into viable business ventures. The program will provide mentorship, resources, incubation support, and awards to promising ideas in key sectors including IT/ITeS, Automotive, Apparel, Electronics & Hardware, Power, and Capital Goods & Manufacturing.
Speaking at the launch, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, said, “Every skilled individual holds the potential to be a job creator. Through this collaboration with Aditya Birla Capital Foundation and BITS Pilani, we are empowering NSTI students to transform their skills into innovation-driven enterprises. This initiative aligns with India’s vision of becoming an Aatmanirbhar and innovation-led economy.”
The Navonmesh Protsahan Spardha is designed to bridge the innovation gap in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, which includes over 13 lakh students enrolled in ITIs and NSTIs. While innovation support has traditionally focused on schools and higher education, this challenge aims to bring similar opportunities to vocational learners.
PIEDS, the incubator of BITS Pilani, will manage the challenge, while ABCF will support it as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Through this partnership, MSDE seeks to create a robust ecosystem that nurtures skill-based innovation, encourages entrepreneurship among youth, and contributes to building a self-reliant, innovation-driven India.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
