Google, VTU sign pact to boost AI skills, industry-ready training for engineering students
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Google has partnered with Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) to strengthen skill development, industry training and employment opportunities for engineering students across Karnataka.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by VTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Vidyashankar, Registrar (Administration) Prof. Prasad B. Rampure and Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education India.
The collaboration will equip students with industry-relevant skills in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data science and cybersecurity, while also focusing on faculty development and practical learning aligned with industry requirements. VTU said the initiative is aimed at improving the employability of students graduating from its affiliated colleges.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Prof. Vidyashankar said VTU, which has 220 affiliated engineering colleges and around three lakh students, is committed to producing industry-ready graduates.
“Engineering students must be prepared in line with industry expectations so they can secure employment immediately after graduation. This requires continuous skill development, and our collaboration with Google and other industry partners will help students gain the practical knowledge and competencies employers are looking for,” he said.
Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education India, said Google was delighted to collaborate with Asia’s largest engineering university.
“Our objective is not only to provide students with advanced digital and AI skills but also to improve their employment prospects. We will also conduct training programmes for faculty members to strengthen teaching capabilities,” he said.
Alongside Google, VTU has signed partnerships with Qualcomm, Bharat Skills Foundation and Simulation Enabled Experiential Learning (SEEL) to expand technology-driven education and experiential learning.
Qualcomm, through STEM Lore Innovators LLP, will offer programmes in AI, embedded systems, product prototyping and the Internet of Things (IoT), besides establishing a Centre of Excellence for Edge AI. Bharat Skills Foundation will introduce project-based learning and specialised courses, while the SEEL platform will provide cloud-based virtual laboratories, GATE preparation resources, AI-powered mock interviews, over 1,900 industry projects and internships, webinars and workshops for engineering and MBA students.
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