15 strategic partnerships target emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, AI, green jobs and industry-ready training
GTNS | ODISHA
OCTOBER 6, 2026
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha is expanding its skill-development ecosystem through a new set of industry and institutional partnerships aimed at connecting technical education more closely with emerging employment opportunities.
Memoranda of Understanding were exchanged with 15 strategic partners at a special programme at the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, with the partnerships focusing on future skills, industry-based training, Centres of Excellence, innovation and improved career opportunities for young people.
Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain described the collaborations as an investment in Odisha’s human capital. He said stronger links between training institutions and industry would help develop the workforce needed for the State’s expanding industrial base while creating pathways to quality employment and career progression.
The partnerships cover a wide range of emerging and high-demand areas, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, green jobs and automotive technology.
Beyond classroom training, the agreements are expected to support industry-oriented curriculum development, trainer upskilling, apprenticeships, placements and knowledge-sharing programmes. Centres of Excellence will also be strengthened to give learners greater access to modern technologies and practical industry exposure.
The initiative comes at a time when technological changes are reshaping the nature of jobs. By linking technical education with evolving industrial requirements, the collaboration seeks to reduce the gap between what students learn and the skills employers increasingly require.
The programme also places emphasis on sustainable development and digital transformation. Partnerships in green technologies and emerging sectors are intended to widen the range of career options available to Odisha’s youth.
Another focus is expanding access to technical education and skilled employment for women and communities that remain underrepresented in advanced skill-based sectors.
The participating organisations include 1M1B Foundation, Calderys, CIEL HR Services Ltd, Cloos India, Delphi-TVS Technologies Ltd, F5 India, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd, Hettich Poddar Wood Working Institute, iFOREST, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Pvt Ltd, OASME, Semantics, Siksha O Anusandhan University, THK India and Utkal University.
The collaboration brings together companies, educational institutions, industry bodies and specialised organisations, creating a broader platform for technical training and employment-oriented skilling.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Skill Development & Technical Education Department Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Director of Technical Education and Training Chakravarti Singh Rathore, World Skill Center CEO Rashmi Ranjan Mohapatra and representatives from industry and partner organisations attended the event.
The new partnerships are expected to strengthen Odisha’s efforts to build a workforce equipped for the next generation of industrial, technological and green-economy opportunities.
GTNS | BHUBANESWAR