Young Innovators Honoured at Bengaluru NSTI Under ‘Kaushalta Se Udyamita’ Initiative

Bengaluru, March 11, 2026: The National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Bengaluru, recently hosted the ‘Kaushalta Se Udyamita: Navonmesh Protsahan Spardha’ felicitation ceremony, recognising young innovators transforming their technical skills into entrepreneurial ideas and start-ups. The event was organised by the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, in collaboration with Aditya Birla Capital Foundation (ABCF) and PIEDS, BITS Pilani.

The initiative aims to foster innovation and enterprise within the country’s skilling ecosystem, encouraging trainees to emerge as job creators rather than job seekers. Addressing the gathering, Shri Dilip Kumar, Director General, DGT, highlighted the importance of combining technical skills with creative thinking, urging trainees to dream big and convert ideas into solutions addressing real-world challenges.

Shri Kumar appreciated the DGT team for designing the first-of-its-kind programme and called upon PIEDS, BITS Pilani, to continue mentoring the winners, ensuring long-term development of their entrepreneurial projects.

The competition, held at a national level, spanned five sectors—IT & ITeS, Automotive, Apparel, Electronics & Hardware, and Manufacturing. A total of 773 trainees participated, presenting innovative solutions rooted in their technical training. After multi-stage evaluations, the top 15 ideas were showcased before an expert jury in the final pitch round. Cash prizes were awarded to the winners in each sector: ₹1,00,000 for first place, ₹75,000 for second, and ₹50,000 for third.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials of MSDE, regional directors, mentors, faculty, and trainees from across the NSTI network, creating a dynamic platform celebrating innovation in India’s skill development ecosystem.

The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s broader vision of empowering skilled youth to transform ideas into sustainable enterprises, contributing to India’s economic growth and entrepreneurial culture.