The Federation of Telangana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) has launched the Industry-Academia Connect initiative to bridge the gap between industry requirements and the skills of engineering graduates. The initiative aims to enhance the employability of graduates and address the growing demand for talent in emerging technologies.
The launch event, held at FTCCI at Red Hills, Hyderabad, was graced by Prof UB Desai, founding Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad and Advisor to the ICT Committee of FTCCI, along with other industry and academia leaders including Mr Sikanth Sinha, CEO of Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK), and Sangeetha P, Director of FTCCI.
Prof UB Desai highlighted the disconnect between industry and academia, emphasizing the need for collaboration to produce graduates equipped with relevant skills. He welcomed the UGC and AICTE initiative of “Professor of Practice,” urging industry experts to share real-world practices and experiences in classrooms.
Mohan Raidu, Chairman of ICT Committee, emphasized the talent paradox, where there’s a surplus of engineering graduates seeking employment but a scarcity of skilled talent in industries, especially in emerging technologies like AI and Web3.
Pankaj Diwan, Co-chair of ICT Committee, spoke about the initiative’s inception, triggered by India’s aspiration to become a multi-trillion-dollar economy. He stressed the need for product engineers to build a product nation and encouraged students to develop a product mindset.
The initiative has onboarded ten engineering colleges in its initial phase, including BVRIT, Narsapur Campus; Mallareddy University; and Geethanjali College of Engineering and Technology. These colleges will benefit from partnerships with organizations like TalentFarm.ai, an AI-based platform incubated in T-Hub.
The launch event also witnessed the signing of four MoUs between FTCCI and organizations like TASK, T-Hub, and T-Works, aiming to enhance collaboration between industry and academia.
In a video message, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, IT, Industries & Commerce, commended FTCCI and TalentFarm.ai for their initiative, highlighting the government’s intent to encourage long-term internships with industry.
The event concluded with panel discussions on managing talent in disruptive times and the role of women in a $10 trillion economic reality, featuring industry leaders and domain experts.
The ICT Committee announced a Faculty Fellowship program and plans to establish Centers of Excellence and Student Fellows programs to further strengthen industry-academia collaboration.
The launch program, attended by 200 students, faculty, and industry representatives, marks a significant step towards enhancing the employability of engineering graduates and meeting the talent demands of emerging technologies.
