Union minister Vaishnaw has proposed a Centre of Excellence for manufacturing technology (CoE) to strengthen industry linked skills and research in higher education. The proposal seeks to foster closer collaboration between academic institutions and manufacturing firms and to modernise practical training. The initiative is intended to address skills gaps and to support technological adoption across manufacturing sectors.\n\nThe CoE is envisioned to host advanced laboratories, curriculum development units and applied research programmes that align with industrial needs. It is expected to work with technical institutes, universities and the private sector to deliver short term courses, certification pathways and project based learning. Emphasis will be placed on hands on training, faculty development and tech transfer to increase workplace readiness.\n\nOfficials expect the CoE to enhance employability for graduates, to support small and medium enterprises and to catalyse innovation in product design and process engineering. The CoE is intended to act as a hub for demonstrator projects, skills incubation and collaborative research that can be scaled across regions. Stakeholders were consulted on priorities and on mechanisms to ensure linkages with national manufacturing initiatives.\n\nNext steps are likely to include detailed planning, pilot projects and the development of governance and funding models that involve public and private partners. The proposal calls for clear metrics to monitor outcomes such as placement rates, industry uptake of innovations and research translation. Over time the CoE is expected to contribute to higher productivity, to strengthen education industry interfaces and to support long term competitiveness.\n\nOfficials indicated that capacity building for faculty and technicians will be prioritised to maintain cutting edge capabilities. The CoE will seek to standardise training modules and to develop accreditation pathways that facilitate mobility of skilled workers. Long term plans envisage replication and regional networks to broaden access and to ensure sustainable impact.