The Vodafone Idea Foundation, the CSR arm of Vi, has embarked on a pioneering initiative by collaborating with the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) to establish the IoT Centre of Excellence at the prestigious Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW) in Delhi. This cutting-edge center is poised to transform the landscape of technology education by offering hands-on training in cutting-edge areas such as 5G, AI/ML, IoT, security, and surveillance.

India, currently one of the world’s top five economies and the fastest-growing major economy, owes much of its success to a robust telecommunications infrastructure. As India continues to lead the digital transformation with advancements in 5G, IoT, AI, and more, the need for a skilled workforce becomes paramount to sustain this momentum.

The IoT Centre of Excellence at IGDTUW represents a significant stride in this direction. It serves as a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide comprehensive training in emerging technologies, with a particular focus on empowering women in STEM fields.

P. Balaji, Director of Vodafone Idea Foundation and Chief Regulatory & Corporate Affairs Officer at VIL, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, “We are delighted to partner with TSSC to establish our IoT Centre of Excellence at Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women to skill the youth in new technologies for driving innovation and propelling India’s digital transformation.”

Arvind Bali, CEO of Telecom Sector Skill Council, highlighted the rapid growth of the telecom industry and its demand for a skilled workforce. He noted, “The effectiveness of these interventions heavily relies on a substantial workforce that can support such a vast array of infrastructure and services.” This partnership aims to enhance livelihood opportunities for women through technical skill development.

The IoT Centre of Excellence will benefit 300 students this year through a combination of online and offline training modules. The projects offered at the center encompass a wide range of IoT applications, including LED programming, security systems, and data analysis from various sensors.

Dr. (Mrs.) Amita Dev, Vice Chancellor of IGDTUW, emphasized the collaboration’s importance in bridging the gap between academia and industry. She stated, “By aligning our curriculum with industry needs, students gain practical skills for their careers. We’re dedicated to fostering gender diversity and inclusivity, offering women enhanced opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on training.”

This partnership between the Vodafone Idea Foundation and TSSC is a testament to their commitment to fostering technological innovation and nurturing a skilled workforce to propel India’s digital economy forward.

Reported By: Hrishikesh Kamat