Karnataka Government Collaborates with Corporates to Boost Student Skill Development
Bengaluru: In an effort to bridge the gap between academic education and industry needs, Karnataka’s IT-BT Minister, Priyank Kharge, announced a strategic partnership with corporate entities to introduce a 50-50 syllabus for engineering colleges. Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, this new syllabus will supplement the existing academic curriculum by focusing on practical skills that align with real-world industry demands.
This initiative is a key aspect of the state’s Nipuna Karnataka skilling scheme. Kharge also revealed plans to introduce a formal skill development policy in the upcoming state budget, aimed at enhancing student employability and better preparing them for the evolving job market.
Corporate Sponsorship in Education
A central part of this policy is the adoption of 100 colleges by an equal number of corporates and global capability centers (GCCs). Kharge emphasized that, if successfully implemented, this initiative would position Karnataka as a leading source of skilled and employable youth for the global job market. Corporate partners will have a direct influence on the curriculum and will contribute resources that meet both current and future industry needs.
Kharge shared an example of an automobile company that struggled to find suitably skilled local graduates due to a mismatch between academic training and industry expectations. This new initiative is designed to address such gaps, ensuring that students acquire the skills necessary for employers.
Funding and Oversight by Skill Council
The skilling program will be funded through joint contributions from the state government and corporate social responsibility (CSR) investments from the involved companies and GCCs. Given the scale of the program, a dedicated skill council will oversee its implementation, ensuring that participating companies adhere to the technical and professional standards needed for effective student training.
International Partnerships and New Initiatives
Kharge also highlighted Karnataka’s growing international collaborations with countries like Germany, France, Finland, and Switzerland to enhance its skills development programs:
- Germany and Finland: Focus on sustainable development and advanced manufacturing techniques.
- France: Partnership in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology.
- Switzerland: Launch of a dual incubation program for 15 startups under the IT-BT department.
These global partnerships aim to bring best practices to Karnataka and strengthen its position as a hub for innovation and skill development.
Support for Startups and AI Innovation
As part of its broader strategy, the state aims to foster the growth of 10,000 startups outside Bengaluru over the next two years. This will be supported through grants, a conducive business ecosystem, and regulatory simplification. Additionally, a new Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be established in partnership with the IIT Alumni Centre in Bengaluru, further bolstering Karnataka’s commitment to driving AI innovation.
With these initiatives, the Karnataka government is positioning itself as a leader in technological innovation, workforce development, and global industry collaboration, aiming to create a dynamic ecosystem that supports both startups and skilled talent.
